Arena of Nimes
Roman amphitheatre in Nîmes, France.
🌐 arenes-nimes.com🕒 Jan,Feb,Nov,Dec 09:30-17:00; Mar,Oct 09:00-18:00; Apr,May 09
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Arena of Nîmes
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Historical site
The Arena of Nîmes is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world and an outstanding example of ancient engineering mastery. Built around the end of the 1st century AD, shortly after the Colosseum in Rome, it was originally designed to host gladiator contests and animal hunts for the local population. The elliptical structure measures 133 meters in length and 101 meters in width, with 34 tiers of seating that once accommodated approximately 24,000 spectators. Its facade features two levels of 60 arches each, articulated by Doric semi-columns. During the Middle Ages, the arena was repurposed as a fortress, eventually housing an entire village and two churches within its massive stone walls. It was not until the 19th century that these later additions were cleared and the monument was restored for public use. Today, the arena serves as a bustling venue for concerts, historical reenactments, and the famous Feria de Nîmes.
- Location: Occitanie, France
- Top sights: Arena of Nimes · Musée de la Romanité · Musée des Cultures Taurines
- Nearby: Milhaud (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 48 | 54 | 69 | 65 | 42 | 30 | 36 | 65 | 106 | 104 | 61 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Boulevard des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes, France
Hours
Mon-Sun 09:00-20:00 (summer), 09:00-17:00 (winter)
Entry
€10 adults, €8 reduced (combination ticket with Maison Carrée recommended)
Website
Transit
Nîmes train station (SNCF) approx. 5 min walk away
Parking
Parking garage 'Parking Arènes' directly under the square (approx. €2.50/hour)
Accessibility
Ground floor accessible, upper tiers only via steep Roman stairs
Photos
Allowed for private use, no drones
Best time
Early morning to avoid the heat and large tour groups
Audio guide
Free audio guide included with ticket purchase
Geography
Facts
- The amphitheater was completed around the year 70 AD.
- The structure is 133 meters long, 101 meters wide, and 21 meters high.
- A total of 34 rows of seats provided space for up to 24,000 spectators.
- The exterior facade consists of 120 arches spread over two levels.
- During the Middle Ages, up to 700 people lived within the arena's walls.
- The Arena of Nîmes has been a listed historical monument since 1840.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Arena of Nîmes (10)
Atelier Galerie
Artist studio and gallery in Nîmes.
Porte de France
City gate in Nîmes.
Porte de France (Nîmes)
Roman city gate in Nîmes, France.
Hôtel de Ville de Nîmes
Town hall in Nîmes, France.
Manège de l'Esplanade
Historic riding hall on the Esplanade in Nîmes.
Musée des Beaux-Arts🏛 museum
Museum in Nîmes, France.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How old is the Nîmes Arena?
It was built around 100 AD and is considered the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world.
Are events still held in the arena today?
Yes, it is used for concerts, bullfights, and the famous historical Great Roman Games (Grands Jeux Romains).
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the tiers and the interior exhibitions using the audio guide.
Is there an English audio guide?
Yes, a free audio guide (including English) is usually included in the admission price.
Is the arena accessible?
The lower level is accessible, but the upper stone tiers are steep and can only be reached via stairs.
Arena of Nîmes: where is it located?
Arena of Nîmes is located in Occitanie, France.
Arena of Nîmes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Arena of Nimes, Musée de la Romanité, Musée des Cultures Taurines.
Arena of Nîmes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Arena of Nîmes: why is it worth visiting?
The Arena of Nîmes is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world and an outstanding example of ancient engineering mastery.
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