Peter Harrison

Nîmes City Break by Train

A Great City to Visit

Tour Overview

The stunning historic city of Nîmes is one of France’s best-kept secrets, offering a rich Roman heritage, elegant architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. Best of all, it’s easy to reach from the UK without flying!

Board the Eurostar at St. Pancras to Lille, then transfer to a high-speed TGV service, gliding through the French countryside before arriving in sun-drenched Occitanie within hours. Whether you’re looking for a short city break or wish to extend your trip to explore more of southern France, Nîmes is a perfect gateway to history, culture, and relaxation.
Often called the ‘Rome of France’, Nîmes boasts an incredible collection of Roman landmarks. Stand in awe before its magnificent amphitheatre, still in use today for concerts and events, and admire the 2,000-year-old Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Strolling through the city's palm-lined streets, you’ll find fascinating museums, bustling markets, and charming cafés, where you can soak up the local atmosphere over a glass of Languedoc wine.
For those who want to experience Nîmes' vibrant cultural scene, the city hosts high-profile festivals throughout the year, including its renowned music festival, featuring international artists in spectacular historic settings. Beyond the city, you can easily extend your rail adventure, taking day trips perhaps to the nearby impressive Pont Du Gard or longer stays in Avignon, Montpellier, or Arles, all rich with history and Provençal charm. Alternatively, explore the nearby Camargue region, famous for its wild horses, pink flamingos, and breathtaking coastal landscapes.
This flight-free rail escape is an effortless way to discover one of France’s most fascinating and overlooked destinations. Whether you’re drawn by its Roman past, cultural vibrancy, or relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, Nîmes offers an unforgettable getaway. Let us arrange your perfect itinerary, with rail travel, accommodation, and local experiences all taken care of.

Travel Tips

Travel by train from London to Lille Europe by direct Eurostar, a journey time of around 90 minutes. Continue on a direct TGV service from Lille to Nîmes, which conveniently departs from Lille Europe station, no hassle of changing stations.
Nîmes is a fantastic city break destination with so much to see and do. The city break is based on a 4-day trip but you can extend your trip if you wish.
Dating back to the 6th Century BC Nîmes is known as the ‘Rome of France’ with its incredible collection of Roman buildings, including a magnificent amphitheatre and the 2,000-year-old Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples of the Roman Empire.
There are several museums to choose from in Nîmes – Musée de la Romanité, one of the best archaeological museums in France, Carré d’Art museum of contemporary art and the Musée des Beaux Arts.
The city is also ideally situated for visiting the famous Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct and the enchanting villages of the Cévennes region. Car hire can be arranged.
A recommendation is to take a direct mainline train to the port city of Marseille, founded c. 600BC by Greek settlers and is the oldest city in France. Marseille can be reached in just over an hour from Nîmes so makes for an ideal daytrip to the coast.
Return to the UK by train via the same route of your outward journey, using direct services making the journey more enjoyable and relaxed.