Nimes

As we continue our explorations of Provence, it continues to amaze me how old everything is here. It is difficult to imagine that Romans walked in the same places that I walk daily and it is astounding how much of their presence remains. One of the sites where the glory of Rome is best preserved is in Nimes. This former centre of Roman life and culture lives on in the monuments which have been so well preserved and exhibited. The ampitheatre (above) is the crown jewel of Nime's Roman monuments and unlike so many other site it has full explanations of the uses of the arena. With information ranging from the different styles of gladiators to how bull fighting is still practiced in the arena today, the various posters and details allow you to imagine how this building has functioned over two millenia ago.

Again the preservation of the Roman heritage of Nimes is impressive. Here you can see the old Roman road which led from the arena to the former gates of the city.

The Tour Magne is one section left from the walls that once defended the city. Unfortunately a gardener got permission from the King to dig into the inner part of the tower. This request was made because he was convinced that Nostradamus had written about treasure being hidden there. Needless to say his search was not successful and instead he simply undermined the foundation of the tower and destroyed much of the outer section where the guards would have worked and kept watch. His work left only a portion of the original tower standing and resulted in the need for major renovations to the inside to stabilize the tower and prevent it from further deterioration.

Tour Magne stands on the top of a hill which was converted into extensive gardens. The stonework, paths, and waterways of this public park rival many of the grand Chateau gardens in the Loire built for nobles. It brings together in beatiful harmony French architecture while still providing space and protection for the Roman ruins.

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The Temple of Dianna

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The Maison Carrée is an impressively sized building in the centre of Nimes. The large columns and steep steps make it an imposing structure but there is nothing inside accept a 3D movie about the history of Nimes. The twenty minute movie was the epitome of French publicity stunts; lots of emphasis on the use of a new technology but little relevant content. Regardless it was fun to watch the bulls coming at us, as if we were the bullfighter. 


On the whole Nimes is one of the best day trips we have done because of its diversity of sites but also because of the accessible way in which information and historical facts are presented. I think we will definitely be back.  

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