Visit the Arènes de Nîmes : tickets, prices, schedules

Did you plan a stay in Nimes? So don't miss visiting the Arènes de Nîmes : discover in this mini-guide all the essential information on this ancient site!

In the heart of the historic city centre of Nîmes is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world! An emblematic monument of Nîmes, the Arènes now host numerous shows and events, such as the corridas of the two fairies, the concerts of the Festival de Nîmes or the performances of the Grand Roman Games in May.

So to help you visit the Nîmes Arenas, we have prepared a mini-guide with all the important information to know: rates, times, history and frequent questions.

History of Nimes Arenas

Built in the 1st century in the ancient city of Nemausus , the Roman amphitheatre of Nîmes testifies to the will of this city to get closer to Roman civilization. Perfectly symmetrical, it also shows the degree of perfection achieved by Roman architects at that time! Despite its gigantic size and the superb arcades, the monument counts only three decorative elements: a Roman wolf nursing Romulus and Rémus, two gladiators in full confrontation and two busts of bull, which surmount one of the arcades of the Roman amphitheatre.

In 404, after the ban on gladiator battles, the amphitheatre was transformed into a fortress by the Wisigoths. Thus, during the Great Invasions, it will become a real fortified village where the population will frequently take refuge. From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, it will even be a city district with its own streets, shops and even its own church! It is therefore only in the 19th century that the amphitheatre is clear, rehabilitated and restored, before being converted to arene in 1963. Today, it hosts various events such as corridas or camarguaises races, or historical concerts or reconstructions, such as the Grand Roman Games. The rest of the year, the monument is open to the visit.

What to see and do in the arenas of Nimes?

Visit the Arènes de Nîmes will allow you to discover the innards of this jewel of Roman architecture. In oval shape, this amphitheatre is 133 metres long and 101 wide with a 68-eight track. Up to 21 meters, its exterior façade rises on two floors with 60 overlayed arcades!

The visit includes the interior and exterior of the building:

• Inside, you pass through the courtyards of the Roman amphitheatre: each gradin area reached a gallery with hundreds of stairs, all arranged so as to avoid the engorgement. Your visit will also allow you to discover the underground galleries under the track, which formed the scenes!
• Outside, you can contemplate the bleachers and the immensity of a building built to accommodate up to 24,000 spectators at the same time!

Visit the Nîmes Arenas will also allow you to access two spaces discovered : - The first theme is the gladiators, with exhibitions of weapons and equipment as well as mini-films presenting fights and trainings of gladiators. - The second focuses on the ancestral universe of corridas, with costumes and mini-films also, especially on the world of Camarguas races, local manades and horse corridas!

How to get to the Nimes Arenas?

If you would like to visit the Arènes de Nîmes, know that it is at the following address: Boulevard des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes .

You can go to the Ares of Nimes:

• By plane: You can fly to Nîmes if you want to visit the Nîmes Arenas. You can land at the Nîmes-Garons Airport and then reach the city centre with a rental car or public transport. If you want to use this means of transport, you can find a flight at the best price on our partner's website Ulysses.
• By car: If you opted for the car rental from the airport or you have your own car, know that you can reach Nimes via the A9 motorway. With regard to the parking lot, you can park in the parking lot of the Arenas which is a few meters from the monument.
• By train: You can take the train to get to Nîmes and visit the Nîmes Arenas. Nîmes Train Station is a short walk from the monument.
• By bus: You can take line 1 and stop at Nîmes – Arenas to visit the Nîmes Arenas. You can consult the website Tangobus for more information or to calculate your itinerary.

Schedules & Rates of the Nîmes Arenas

HORARI

It is possible to visit the Nîmes Arenas every day, except for the days of fairies or shows. The closing dates are indicated on the official website Nimes arenas. Here are the opening hours:

• January, February, November and December: 9H30 to 17H
• March and October: 9H - 18H
• April, May and September: 9H - 18H30
• June: 9H - 19H
• July and August: 9H - 20H

Note that the last entry with audioguide is 1H before closing, and without audioguide 30 minutes before closing.

Good to know: From July 1st to August 31st, Monday to Friday, Les Arènes de Nîmes offer guided tours of 45 minutes in French and without extra charge. They take place at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2.30pm, 4pm and 5pm. Hours change some days of concerts.

RATES

You can buy your ticket online or at the ticketing of the Arènes de Nîmes, on the official website or with partners like the Fnac. Note that tickets purchased online must be printed at home and are not available at ticketing.

To visit the Nimes Arenas with audioguide, the rates are as follows:

• Full rate: 10€
• Reduced price: 8€

It is also possible to buy a “Roman Nîmes Pass” which offers access to various ancient monuments. You can find more information on rates, application conditions for the reduced fare and free of charge by visiting the official website.