Things to Do in Nîmes

The Magne Tower (Tour Magne), also known as the Great Tower, is a pre-Roman building and the only remaining tower of the ancient Augustan fortifications in Nimes. The Magne Tower stands tall on Mont Cavalier, Nimes’s highest peak and benefits from unobstructed and tactical views of the surrounding plains that linked Italy and Spain. The octagonal tower, at 32.5 meters high, was built for two reasons: first, to express the city’s power, and second, to serve strategic purposes, most notably as a watchtower and signal tower - in fact, it was Nimes’ main stronghold against the English during the Hundred Years War. Consequently, the tower was made a Historic Monument of France in 1840 and remains one of the most visited attractions in the Gard department. The tower is mentioned in many literary works, including texts by Victor Hugo and Guillaume Apollinaire.

Taking pride of place in a square in old Nîmes, the Maison Carrée (Square House) is France’s best-preserved ancient monument and the world’s only still-intact Roman temple. Built by the Romans around 19 BC, this limestone masterpiece is a must-see in the city.