Nîmes

[tizzylizzy]

We are off down to Nîmes shortly for a week. Can anyone recommend places to see nearby, local markets etc. We have never been in that area and don't want to miss anything! Many thanks.

[pachapapa]

Not sure what you mean by "shortly" but the Féria de Nimes takes place during tha Ascension Holiday period.

This year 2011 the Féria is from the 8th June to the 13th June; the Corridas and Flamenco Parties are well supported.

Perhaps one million visitors.

The recent inclusion of La Tauromachie as part of the french Patrimoine Culturelle is likely to be a noted feature of the festivities.

[IMG]http://www.nemausus.com/nimes-gard/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/feria_nimes_20111.jpg[/IMG]

[Gardengirl]

If you aren't there at feria time, at least you'll be able to visit the Roman arena, which is superb. If you want to have an audio guide (included in the price, I seem to remember), you need to leave car keys/proof of identity behind. The Maison Carre is a small Roman temple in Nimes, which is looking beautiful after several years of cleaning etc, with the Carre d'Arts building by Norman Foster in contrast just opposite. The Jardins de la Fontaine are lovely, with the temple of Diana and the Tour Magne.

If you have a car, you'll be spoiled for choice, although you can get about fairly easily by bus and train from Nimes - it's a lovely area. Just a few ideas:

Avignon isn't far, with the famous bridge and Palais des Papes etc; our visitors usaully take the little tourist train to get a general view of the city. A walk up to the gardens near the Palais des Papes gives a wonderful view over the bridge, River Rhone and Villeneuve -les-Avignon.

If you're into markets, you'll love a Saturday visit to Uzes, but arrive early, as crowds are enormous in the summer months; the market is all around the main square, Place aux Herbes, and along the boulevards; plus there's the Haribo tour nearby, if you're into sweets. You could maybe combine the market with a visit to the nearby amazing Pont du Gard, or even make that trip separately and take a canoe from Collias, so that you approach from the river:

http://location-canoe-kayak-gard-collias.canoe-kayak-gard-gorgedugardon.com/en/home.htm

Then there's the Camargue, Aigues Mortes, visits to Aix and Arles........... a week isn't enough!  [:D]Lots of very useful tourist offices - start with the one in Nimes, not far from the Maison Carre. Hope you have a lovely holiday!

[Gardian]

[quote user="gardengirl "]

You could maybe combine the market with a visit to the nearby amazing Pont du Gard, or even make that trip separately and take a canoe from Collias, so that you approach from the river:

[/quote]

Definitely!  My avatar was taken from a canoe on the Gardon.

Just a few additional suggestions to GG's comprehensive list:

• Orange - pleasant small town with the Roman theatre, which is a worthwhile visit
• Ardeche Gorge - make for Vallon Pont d'Arc and follow the signposts (you'll end up at Pont St Esprit).
• Montpellier - if you fancy a bit of 'city life': good shopping & a vibrant modern place. Park at the tramway parking close to Jct 29 on the motorway and take the tram to Comedie. €4-ish for a car and return tkts for all the car's occupants.
• Palavas - for a bit of seaside. Not the most chic of towns, but lovely sand beaches and 'unpretentious'.

[tizzylizzy]

Thank you everyone. We are off on Saturday and we are really looking forward to seeing a different part of France.