Top 5 most beautiful monuments in Nimes2026 ranking

The Nîmes Arena is clearly one of the must-see spots when visiting Nîmes. I didn't visit the inside, as the entry price felt a bit high (€11 for an adult). But admiring the exterior is already worth the trip. Located right in the city center, these impressive Roman arenas are perfectly preserved and are an essential stop during a walk around town. The best way to see them would be to go during an event like a concert.

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.

The Tour Magne is an impressive relic from the Roman era. It is worth the trip. You get there by taking a pleasant walk through the Jardins de la Fontaine. Once at the top, the panoramic view of Nîmes and the surrounding area is magnificent. Avoid it during a heatwave though, as the climb can be exhausting in the middle of summer.

I highly recommend seeing a show or concert in this arena at least once in your life. If you enjoyed the Colosseum in Rome and would have loved to see incredible performances there, then come to the Arènes de Nîmes, which are actually much better preserved. Sure, they are smaller than their counterpart, but what a thrill once you are inside!

I did not see this monument under the best conditions because of the tarps covering part of the facade. From the square, it does not look like a cathedral, but more like a military building because of its massive tower. The interior remains very simple, but it features beautiful stained glass, paintings, and statues. I had to come back several times to get inside because it was closed. In my opinion, you can just stick to the exterior and then head over to the pretty Place du Chapitre.

This is the one site you cannot miss when visiting the Jardins de la Fontaine. As the last Roman tower from the city's ancient defensive wall, it gave me a real glimpse into ancient Nimes. Make sure to wear good shoes to get to the monument and climb the 140 steps to the top. The view from the summit is gorgeous. Just be careful if you are afraid of heights, because the climb includes a staircase right on the edge of the drop.

If you visit the Jardins de la Fontaine, do not miss this Roman temple. The monument is half in ruins and there is not much to see. However, this mysterious relic lost among the trees, whose function and origin remain unknown, gives off a unique vibe. I felt like I was transported somewhere else. The visit only takes a few minutes and access is free. Keep an eye on the kids though, because there are loose stones and alcoves where they might try to climb.

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.

I was afraid I would be a little disappointed compared to the Colosseum. Even though the monument is smaller, I found it much better preserved than its Roman counterpart. I loved the guided tour. I highly recommend it to discover the site and learn more about the gladiator shows. Plus, the Arena hosts many cultural events, like concerts and bullfights. You have to go at least once during the Feria, but it gets very crowded.

A cathedral unlike any other, already very bright from the outside. That impression continues once you are inside. The atmosphere is full of serenity. Very simple, without any frills, but with a refined beauty. It is filled with an ancient and fascinating heritage. There are a few interesting historical remnants present. I loved its mix of Romanesque and Gothic art.