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Where to eat
No reservation? No problem at the charming L'Harmonie. In the centre of the city, this popular spot ticks all of the boxes with outstanding lunch and dinner menus, top-notch service and staff who won't bat an eye at your questionable pronunciation.
Expect hearty local dishes like duck fillet, braised beef, rich risottos and, of course, countless cheeses.
Where to drink
There is nothing worse than wandering into a pub filled with fellow travellers looking for an authentic slice of local life. Lucky for you, Le Pelican is the exact opposite. Beloved by both locals and French holiday-makers, this little pub welcomes couples, families or anyone with a love of live music and funky neon signs.
Where to walk
The tree-lined city may be a delight to walk through, but the 18th-century Jardins de la Fontaine take greenery to another level. Opened in 1745 as one of Europe's first public parks, the garden is an oasis of trees, canals, Roman monuments and staircases.
What to try
In 1775 the Villaret family started selling their take on the French "croquant" biscuit, and rumour has it the secret recipe has never changed. French for "crispy", a croquant is a thin golden cookie made from caramelised sugar, almonds and in the city of Nimes, a delicious mix of orange blossom and lemon. But don't take our word for it, Maison Villaret is still open for business on 13 Rue de la Madeleine.
Where to shop
Want a wearable token from your trip? Les Indiennes de Nimes sells the clothes and textiles for which the ancient city is famous. Right beside the amphitheatre, the quaint speciality store is full of vividly patterned treasures that are sure to turn heads back home.
Where to stay
For a hotel that is grand and central, Appart'City Nimes Arenes is the perfect spot. The four-star hotel mixes classic French style with modern luxuries; the traditional refurbished building houses a bar, sauna and gym, and each room has a kitchenette.
Off the map
Whether you're fascinated or infuriated by the savagery of bullfights, the Bull Museum is a gem well worth a visit. Deeply involved in the history of Nimes, bullfights continue throughout the summer, with the Bull Museum offering an insightful look into the styles and cultural significance.