Nimes has been heavily influenced by the Romans and the surrounding countryside offers a wealth of historic sites to explore.  Within the town of Nimes itself, alongside modern shops and cafes, you will find numerous well preserved Roman monuments including the Maison Carre and the Amphitheatre.

The Maison Carre, inspired by the temples of Apollo and Mars in Rome, was once part of the forum of the ancient Roman settlement.  The entire structure has survived, with intricate carvings and impressive pillars, to offer a unique view of Roman life in Southern France.

The Amphitheatre is an impressive structure from the 1st century, once used for gladiatorial combat.  The outer facade is 21 metres high, made up of two levels of arcades with numerous internal staircases and galleries. There are 34 tiers of seats where the different social classes would be divided.  Today, the arena is host to a number of events from concerts to bull fights.  Wander through the cool internal passages for a true sense of the enormity of the construction and marvel at the view from the “cheap” seats at the very top.

Situated in the “Jardins de la Fontaine”, the Temple of Diana was found in 1739 although today only the nave and 2 corridors remain. Built on a sacred site important to both the Romans and the Celts before them, the gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the busy streets below.  Visitors come to admire the magnificent fountains, wander the shady walkways or picnic on the lawns.

Also within the park is the Tour Magne, built around 15 BC.  Although the top level no longer remains, the tower still stands 32 metres high and offers impressive views over the city.

25 km to the north of the town is the impressive Pont du Gard, bringing water to Nimes through the Uzege mountains.  A Unesco Heritage Site, this is a popular visitor attraction and you will also find a multi-media exhibition, restaurants, shops and picnic areas.

Hiring a car with Carhire3000 allows you to explore the historic town of Nimes as well as the surrounding countryside.  Hire a car in Nimes itself or from the nearby airports of Marseille or Montpellier and explore the steep gorges, forests and small villages of the Cevennes.

As well as the Pont du Gard, a hire car will give you easy access to other local places of interest including the “Grottes de Trabuc”, the “Musée du desert”, the “Grottes des Demoiselles”, the medieval village of Sauve, St Guilhem, Avignon and Arles.  Or head for the coast with your hire car to explore the Camargue and the fortified town of AiguesMortes or sun yourself on the beaches near the resort of La Grande Motte or the fishing villageof Sete.

Car hire France from £17