The enchanting city of Nimes

The enchanting city of Nîmes in the Languedoc-Rousillon area of Provence is close to the major cities of Montpellier and Arles. Populated by 145,000 people, it was inhabited by the Gallo-

Amphitheatre in Nimes

Romans, to which its impressive, 2000 year-old ruins attest. One of the world’s best preserved Roman amphitheaters is found here, still active, with events ranging from concerts to bullfights.

Bullfights, also known as “corridas”, said to have had historical origins since the Roman times (which later spread to Spain and to this unique microcosm in Provence, France), take place between March and November. The French bulls come from the Camargue region.

The high point of festive life in Nîmes is the Whitsun Feria (Féria de Pentecôte), which draws nearly a million visitors to watch the bullfights à la Provençal during Pentecost weekend. The bull is king for five days; he is not killed or maimed, as in Spain. The macho toreadors merely torment him and try to snatch a small ribbon off the top of his head. But people don’t come to Nîmes during the Feria just for the bullfights; they come mainly for the party atmosphere, the free-flowing wine and loud music. The streets are lively and the friendly, euphoric ambiance in the streets is intoxicating. Watch the Rick Steves’ short video about these bullfights: Bullfights in Nimes.

Jardins de la Fontaine, Nimes

Nîmes boasts another beautiful architectural antiquity: La Maison Carrée, the only fully preserved temple from Roman times, similar to La Madeleine in Paris. Also of interest is the nearby Jardin de la Fontaine, a magnificent piece of architectural landscape created in 1745, with both a Mediterranean garden and a classical French garden. A pass can be obtained to see all the monuments together.

The weather in the south of France is very warm and sunny during the summer, ranging in temperature from 75 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters there are mild, usually in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit.

Interesting trivia: the word “denim” originates from the conjunction of “de” (from) + “Nîm” (Nîmes) placed together. Originally the name of a sturdy fabric called serge de Nîmes, which was made in Nîmes, France, by the André family, the name was soon shortened to denim.

There is no shortage of activities to do while in the lovely, antique city of Nîmes. And don’t forget to visit the marvelous vineyards which surround Nîmes, so prevalent in the sunny Languedoc-Roussillon area.