Each Autumn we take a mini break with close friends who now live in Germany and this years choice was Nimes, a town, the capital of the Gard, quite close to us and one that we have visited at least twice before but usually just for a few hours and punctuated by lunch of course!
So it was nice to spend some quality time in the town and the surrounding area, and remember this is early November.
We chose to stay in an apartment right in the centre of Nimes which made an ideal base.
Our first stop was to visit Aigues-Mortes a famous walled town bordering the sea, on route we stopped at the 'tour Carbonniere' one of the 4 defences of the town, where there is a great view of the petite Camargue.
You can take the boardwalk to the tower.
Aigues-Mortes, a charming walled town, Spring and Autumn are the best time to visit, as it will be very busy in the Summer.
Here we are at the top of the tower with our friends Roy & Andrea.
Aigues-Mortes, a charming walled town, Spring and Autumn are the best time to visit, as it will be very busy in the Summer.
The square in Aigues-Mortes, perfect for a coffee, beer or relaxing lunch.
On the beach in November!
In to Nimes to explore, and we walked for quite a few miles and enjoyed the wonderful architecture, the shopping! and Les Quais de la Fontaine.
The jardins de la Fontaine, a vast open public space dating to the 18th century.
From here walk to the tower 'tour Magne' dating to Roman times from which there are great views.
The Roman amphitheatre dating from 1st or 2nd Century AD is one of the best preserved in Europe.
Take the tour inside, you will be captivated by the atmosphere of what went on in the past.
The emblem of nimes a crocodile and palm tree!
One of the many fountains in Nimes, the town has undergone significant investment in the last few years.
Back to the Romans! The Maison Carree was built in 16BC imagine that!
Sit on the steps and admire the contrast in architecture, designed by sir Norman Foster and opened in 1993 the Carre d'art is a glass and steel building now the cities library and museum of contemporary art.
At night many of the public buildings and spaces are lit.
This is the walk from the arena to the main line station.
Our final day, in Uzes, another beautiful town in the Gard, the Saturday market was heaving so beware in summer it will be packed!
And in November, lunch in the garden - what else!
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Nimes is do-able in a day, but an over night stop is recommended, there is a vast choice of restaurants, the town has a very spanish feel to it and many bars and restaurants serve Tapas - go and enjoy!
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