Nîmes ‘Runseeing’ Tour

This 6 km ‘runseeing’ tour of Nîmes hits all the highlights: historic centre, Amphiteatre, Maison Carrée, Jardin de La Fontaine, and the Tour Magne. It’s all on a combination of pedestrian-friendly streets or off-road paths.

Start at the Tourist Office next to the imposing Roman Amphitheatre (Arènes de Nîmes). Do your own little tour of this area, including the Museum Romanité and the Fontaine Pradier, which includes a wide pedestrian path along the Avenue Feuchères. Head north through the narrow, maze-like streets of the historic centre, using Grand Rue as your anchor. LEFT on Rue Saint Castor, passing by the Nîmes Cathedral, continuing west through the centre on Rue Madelaine/Emile Jamais, to Av. Jean Jaurès. RIGHT on this grand avenue, which has an impressive approach to the Jardin de La Fontaine.

Enjoy a ~1.5 km loop along the switchback type paths in the hilly Jardin Fontaine, a 17th-century park featuring Roman ruins & botanic gardens, ponds & sculptures. At the north end is the Tour Magne, a stone watchtower that’s part of the Roman city wall. There are great views!  Retrace your steps through the park, then head east on the scenic Quai de la Fontaine to Square Antonin, location of the Maison Carrée, the iconic restored Roman Temple, and the Carré d’Art, a Norman Foster-designed modern art museum. Conclude the route along the historic Bd. Victor Hugo.