Maison Carrée: reviews, price and practical tips

+28
recs
4.2/5 5 reviews
Place de la Maison Carrée, 30000 Nimes, France
Place de la Maison Carrée, 30000 Nimes, France
Guided tours from $15*
Booking recommended
Book now
Maison Carrée de Nîmes

Visiting the Maison Carrée, an ancient jewel in the heart of Nimes

Located in the historic center of Nimes, the Maison Carrée is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Built under the reign of Augustus more than two thousand years ago, it stands as a remarkable testament to the Roman era and draws history buffs alongside curious travelers.

A monument steeped in history

As you walk up to this ancient temple, you will immediately notice its extraordinary state of preservation. Modeled after traditional Roman temples, it was originally dedicated to the heirs of Augustus, Caius and Lucius Caesar. With its elegant columns, perfectly sculpted pediment, and immaculate facade, the Maison Carrée offers a faithful glimpse into ancient art and architecture.

Inside, an informative film shown regularly brings the Roman history of Nimes to life in an immersive way.

Exceptional architecture

The Maison Carrée is famous for its harmonious proportions and architectural details. Its impeccably preserved Corinthian style highlights the fluted columns, where every detail looks as though it was carved yesterday. The white limestone gives the entire structure a timeless elegance. Take time to study the delicately sculpted friezes, the silent witnesses to the skill of Roman artisans from that period.

Around the Maison Carrée

The Maison Carrée sits on a lively, pleasant square lined with outdoor patios, cafes, and shops, perfect for unwinding after your visit. Just steps away, you will find the Carré d'Art, a contemporary museum designed by British architect Norman Foster that provides an intriguing architectural contrast with the ancient temple.

Be sure to take a stroll over to the nearby Jardins de la Fontaine to extend your time in history and relax in a peaceful, green setting.

Guided tours from $15*Booking recommended
Check availability

Opening hours

Open daily:
- April to September: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- October to March: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Annual closures: January 1, May 1, November 1, and December 25.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Maison Carrée

Summary of 5 reviews
4.2/5
Average rating
+28 recs +28 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.4
As a couple
4.2
With friends
3.8

Avygeo ranking

#68
in the world
#64
in Europe
#39
in France
#1
in Nimes

A must-see

The Maison Carrée is a remarkably well-preserved Roman monument.
I didn't visit the inside, as apparently there is no real point.
But the exterior is superb.
Perched on a small platform in the heart of Nîmes, the Maison Carrée immediately catches your eye.
A must-see in the city, perfect for taking some really beautiful photos.

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Gorgeous on the outside, empty on the inside

The best-preserved Roman temple in the world, apparently! The exterior architecture certainly makes you think so. Built in the image of the Temple of Apollo, the Maison Carrée amazed me with the majesty of its Corinthian style, its podium, and its finely sculpted columns. It would really be a shame not to stop by. However, in my opinion, the paid admission is not worth it unless you buy a combined ticket with the arena. There really is not much to see inside, aside from a few panels detailing the history of the monument.

23
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Ancient Roman temple

A pretty nice stop. It is rare to be able to see this kind of monument in France, so you might as well take advantage of it. I was impressed by all the details and how well preserved it is. On the other hand, the inside is a bit empty. If you do not have the time or the desire, it is also possible to admire it from the outside. But keep in mind that there are also combined tickets available with tours of the Arènes or the Tour Magne, for example.

19
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Almost nothing inside

Nîmes makes a huge deal out of its Maison Carrée, but I do not think it deserves it. It is "just" a Roman temple in the Corinthian style that was landmarked in 1840. Why is it called square (carrée) when the building is rectangular? Because that was the name used back then. What is a shame is that the paid entry only lets you see a few very technical signs. It would be the perfect place for nice exhibits or other artistic projects.

19
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Maison Carrée, a leap back in time

Right in the center of Nîmes, the Maison Carrée is worth the trip, at least from the outside. You don't stay there long because it's small, but it's so well restored that you get the feeling (just like at the Jardins de la Fontaine) of taking a leap back to Roman times. You can watch a short film there that traces the history of Nîmes, Nemausus. A real treasure of antiquity that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

18
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