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_____________ Nīmes ______________
Nīmes (
The prefecture of the department of Gard, 133 600 inhabitants) is on the Domitian Way
running from Spain to Italy, but the towns neither completely Provenēal nor completely
Languedocian.
It is a point where several cultures meet. But at the same time the different periods that
have marked the town have been integrated into a unified architectural and culture whole.
We find it as fascinating today as if it had just been built.
A town of the south, half Latin, half Andalusian, Nīmes cultivates the art of living
well...
The Roman Amphitheater :
Built at the end of the 1st century AD, the Nīmes Arena, even if it is not largest, is
without doubt the best preserved of Roman amphitheaters. Elliptical in shape, some 133
meters by 101 meters, it has virtually always been used for festivities. Originally it was
the site of wild beast hunts and gladiatorial combats. Its 34 tiers are fed by five
concentric galleries and provide seating 23,000, carefully allocated from the bottom to
the top according to social status.
Today the Arena is the site of all sorts of sporting and cultural activities.
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The Square House (La Maison Carrée)
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Raised up on its high podium, this temple would have dominated the forum of the
ancient city. This spacious square, the centre of public life, was surrounded by a
portico, traces of wich can still be seen : some of the bases of the portico columns are
preserved at the site. Built in the first century AD, the Maison Carrée is the only
full-preserved temple of the ancient world. It pleases the eye with its harmonious
proportions, elegant columns with Corinthian capitals and the finesse of its architectural
finish. |
The Jardins de la Fontaine:
In the 18th century, one of the greatest public gardens in Europe was created
in Nīmes on the recently discovered ancient site. Keeping to the plan of the ancient
shrine, laid out around the spring near the end of the 1st century BC, JP Mareschal and G
Dardaihon designed a garden in the French style, ornamented with statues and vases in
marble or white pierre de Lens.The top part of the garden, the Mont cavalier, was planted
in the 19th century. Here, the mediterranean species are predominant (pine, cypress,
boxwood...) |
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The Magne Tower :
Visible from a distance, it indicated the presence of
the city and the Imperial temple located at the foot of the hill around the spring. It was
the highest and most prestigious tower of the Roman town. Octagonal in form, it was then
composed of 3 levels on top of a pedestal. Today, the top storey has disappeared and it
rises to a height of about 32 m. From the top, the view over Nīmes is remarkable. On a
clear day, you can see Mount Ventoux, the Alpilles.. |
The
Feria, bullfighting, arouses all sorts of emotions,
and leads to a kind of collective "madness" in the town.The feria, in true
Spanish style, combines corridas, bull running, concerts and improvised events.dozens of
"bodegas" spring up all over town. You will dance and sing and lose all your
inhibitions to the sound of flamenco and Gypsy music!
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The
Corridas in Nīmes have
the reputation of providing some
of the finest bull-fighters and the
finest bulls from the best stock farms.
Each year the town renews its ties
with the Bull.
Rendez-vous:
February : Primavera Feria
June : Pentecost Feria
September : Harvest Feria
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