Nîmes is the oldest city in the Occitanie region, with a history spanning over 2,000 years.

Known as the "French Rome" it feels as though a beautiful Roman lady in a toga and golden sandals has just disappeared around the corner.

After the Battle of the Nile and the victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra, the first Roman Emperor, Octavian Augustus, began to expand the borders of the Roman Empire.

The land of ancient Nîmes was fertile and ideal for establishing a new city. Construction began, and much of it has been preserved until today. Even now, you can walk on the steps that remember the footsteps of Roman legionnaires.

The Roman Empire never suffered from modesty, and with its characteristic grandeur, an amphitheater was built, comparable in its scale to the Roman Colosseum, along with the main square—the Forum—where a Roman temple has survived.

The medieval streets of Nîmes hold many secrets, including the history of timekeeping! In the Middle Ages, people relied on church bells to tell the time, with each chime signaling the hour. Nîmes was the first city to build a clock tower with a bell that informed all citizens of the hour.

This was the reason for serious conflicts between the city’s mayor and the priests, as the church disagreed to lose its control over the people as controlling time means controlling the world.

On one of the city squares lived a man who introduced the world to the terrible habit of smoking, bringing tobacco to southern France from the distant Antilles. Walking through Nîmes’ downtown, be sure to visit the family mansion of Cardinal de Bernis – one of the most famous “intriguers” of France.

He was the French ambassador in Rome and the favorite friend of the famous Madame de Pompadour, who helped him to obtain the high position of Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In Nîmes, you will find the vibrant local textile known as soleado. Tablecloths, napkins, skirts, and blouses seem infused with the bright sunny colors of southern France, conveying warmth and light even when you are far from Nimes.

And, of course, Nîmes is home to the world's most famous fabric—denim.

In the 14th century, a fabric called serge de Nîmes was created here.

In 1492, sails made from this durable material carried Christopher Columbus on his voyage to discover America. Without these strong sails, who knows if he would have reached his goal.

And thanks to the American entrepreneur Levi Strauss, this fabric became the world-famous denim used to make jeans everywhere.

Come and visit!

Obviously, all roads lead to Nîmes!

Tour Cost:
Full Tour: Nîmes and Pont du Gard (6-8 hours) – €500. Designed for 1-4 people.

Sightseeing Tour of the Historic Center of Nîmes with a visit to the Roman Amphitheater (3 hours) – €250.

Admission tickets to museums and lunch are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.

Starting Point of the Tour:
In front of the Maison Carrée.