Maison Carrée: reviews, price and practical tips

+28
recos
4.2/5 5 reviews
Place de la Maison Carrée, 30000 Nimes, France
Place de la Maison Carrée, 30000 Nimes, France
Guided tours from $14*
Booking recommended
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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 stands as one of the best-preserved Roman temples on the planet. Built during the reign of Augustus over two millennia ago, it is a striking relic of the Roman era that draws both history buffs and curious travelers alike.

A monument steeped in history

As you approach this ancient temple, you will immediately notice its remarkable state of preservation. Inspired by traditional Roman temple design, it was originally dedicated to the heirs of Augustus, Caius and Lucius Caesar. With its elegant columns, perfectly sculpted pediment, and flawless facade, the Maison Carrée offers an accurate look at ancient art and architecture.

Inside, an informative short film is screened regularly, tracing the Roman history of Nimes in an engaging, immersive way.

Exceptional architecture

The Maison Carrée is famous for its balanced proportions and architectural detail. Its perfectly preserved Corinthian style highlights the fluted columns, where every detail looks as though it were carved yesterday. The white limestone gives the structure a timeless elegance. Take the time to observe the delicately carved friezes, silent witnesses to the expertise of Roman artisans from that era.

Around the Maison Carrée

The Maison Carrée sits on a lively square surrounded by outdoor terraces, cafes, and shops, which are perfect for wandering after your visit. A few steps away, you will find the Carré d’Art, a contemporary museum designed by British architect Norman Foster, which offers an interesting architectural contrast to the ancient temple.

Also, enjoy a short walk to the Jardins de la Fontaine, located nearby, to continue your immersion in history and enjoy a moment of relaxation in a peaceful, green setting.

Guided tours from $14*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

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Summary of 5 reviews
4.2/5
Average rating
+28
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
3.4
As a couple
4.2
With friends
3.8

Avygeo ranking

#66
in the world
#63
in Europe
#38
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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