From our campsite near Nîmes, Les Amandiers, head out to discover the Nîmes Arena, a Roman masterpiece in the heart of the city. An iconic monument, the amphitheater hosts tours, concerts, and major events all year round. Combining history, architecture, and a Mediterranean atmosphere, it’s a must-do outing for your Camargue vacation, for all ages, together.
Built at the end of the 1st century, the Nîmes Arena is among the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Its elliptical layout (about 436 ft by 331 ft) rises 69 ft high, punctuated by 60 bays and 34 rows of tiered seating. The structure could hold nearly 23,000 to 24,000 spectators, distributed via an ingenious system of corridors, vomitoria, and stairs that allowed the arena to be filled and emptied quickly. These proportions, combined with an orderly facade of two levels of arcades, make it a model of ancient performance architecture in Gaul.
After Antiquity, the building changed functions: a fortress and then a real fortified neighborhood in the Middle Ages, it was gradually cleared of its dwellings starting in the 19th century, before returning to its vocation as a public and cultural space. Today, the amphitheater embodies both the Roman heritage of Nîmes and its contemporary vitality: people come as much to read the stones as to experience collective emotions. The Nîmes Arena is a heritage landmark not to be missed during a stay at a campsite around Nîmes.
The arena isn’t just an archaeological site: it vibrates all year long to the rhythm of an eclectic program. In summer, the Nîmes Festival brings together French and international artists for a series of concerts in a monumental setting, offering unique acoustics and atmosphere. The city also celebrates its bullfighting culture: during the ferias (Pentecost, Harvest), the amphitheater hosts bullfights and festive gatherings, while the entire city comes alive to the sound of marching bands and street entertainment.
Depending on the season, the arena also hosts shows, operas, major performances, and sporting events. This variety makes the Nîmes Arena a must-visit spot if you are staying between Nîmes and Montpellier: you can follow a morning tour with an evening concert or show, before returning to the peace of our mobile home rentals. To find the key dates (Festival concerts, bullfighting evenings, major shows), check the schedule on the official Nîmes Arena website.
Visiting the Nîmes Arena can be done at your own pace with a booklet or audio guide; opening times vary depending on the season and events. Audio guides are available to help you explore, and family materials allow you to tour the amphitheater at your own speed. Prices vary by age, period, and package (full price, reduced, free). Remember to book online during vacations and holiday weekends: it’s the best way to secure your time slot. Budget tip: opt for a combined ticket or a pass.
The Nîmes City Pass (available for 2, 4, or 7 days) includes key monuments like the Arena, the Maison Carrée, and the Magne Tower, along with other benefits; it’s ideal if you plan several visits over 48 hours or more. “3-monument” group tickets are also available outside of the pass. Before you go, check the official ticket office for updated hours, occasional closures (stage setups, events), and current prices.
From our campsite in Gallargues-le-Montueux, you can easily reach the city center: combine a visit to the arena with the Museum of Romanity, the Jardins de la Fontaine, or a stroll through the Écusson for a full day out.
From Les Amandiers campsite, the Nîmes Arena is an easy cultural outing to organize during your vacation in the Gard. Located between Nîmes and Montpellier, the campsite allows you to reach Nîmes in 25 minutes by car to discover one of the most iconic Roman monuments in the region. Access to the campsite is notably via the A9 highway, making it easy to travel to the major tourist sites nearby.
To make the most of your day, plan a morning departure and anticipate parking as you approach downtown Nîmes, especially during the summer or during events held at the arena. The visit can easily be combined with other must-see monuments in the city, like the Maison Carrée, the Magne Tower, or the Jardins de la Fontaine.
Upon your return, you’ll find the peace of the wooded park: in summer, after a day spent on the warm stones of the amphitheater, the campsite’s pool area is the best way to cool off before the evening.
Nîmes Arena
30000 Nîmes
