Nîmes dates back to the 6th century BC. Hundreds of years of history, art and passions have forged a treasure large enough to touch all visitors: The Roman Arena, the Maison Carrée, the Jardins de la Fontaine... Ferias and bulls: the Féria is the high point of festive life: Féria de Pentecôte – Féria des Vendanges.
A true masterpiece of ancient architecture. It was made a Unesco World Heritage in 1985.Built through the first century AD, this 50km long aqueduct supplied the city of Nîmes with water. In 2000, an extensive site management plan was developed.
First Duchy of France: succumb to the charm and authenticity. Discover: the rich history of its ducal château, both stern fortification and stately palace, its elegant squares, its narrow medieval streets and unsuspected hidden gardens..
Where the Rhone River meets the Mediterranean Sea, there is a near-desert region called la Camargue where herds of wild horses still roam free. It is a real animal paradise, especially for birds, more than 300 species have been documented here such as the famous pink flamingo.
Registered on the list of Unesco World Heritage sites, Arles is the city with the most roman remains after Rome: the Forum, the ancient Theatre, the Amphitheatre, the Thermal Baths... Launched in 1969 by the famous photograph Lucien Clergue "les rencontres d'Arles"marks every summer a high point for photographers. Some 60 exhibitions are set up around emblematic sites of Arlesian heritage.
The Bambouseraie is a unique site given up to that extravagance of which nature only has the secret. Created in 1856 by Eugene Mazel, he acclimatized exotic species from China, Japan, North America and the Himalayas. The Bambouseraie contains a large number of bamboo varieties but you can also see remarkable trees of exceptional height and age.
Land of shale and granite: the Cevennes is a maze of deep valleys with winding rivers of clear water and hill slopes covered in forests of sweet chestnut along with the mulberry. The cultivated terraces and the transhumance trails are still maintained..
From its medieval narrow streets – a must for shopping ! – to the new districts designed by the greatest architects. The historical centre is known for its beauty and numerous XVIIth and XVIIIth century private mansions as the famous Faculty of Medicine. The new Montpellier, designed by leading contemporary architects (The "star" Zaha Hadid: the City of Knowledge and Sports - Jean Nouvel: the blue and ice-like City Hall). Montpellier tramways are well known too for their decoration realized by famous fashion designers : Christian Lacroix – Garouste. International festivals : dance, music, world-class exhibition such as Caravaggio in Fabre Museum...
The closest Mediterranean beaches are 30 minutes away by car.
The"voie verte" cycle track: 21kms of track leading to the medieval city of Sommières or to Caveirac on the outskirts of Nîmes (bike rental in Calvisson).
Pleasant walks in the typical "garrigue" countryside two minutes by foot from the house. The Roman Oppidum in Nages overlooking the Vaunage plain is an interesting destination for walkers.
The Golf of Nîmes - Campagne is one of the most beautiful private golf courses in France. Enjoy playing in a 54-hectare, wooded, gently rolling estate charged with history. The golf course is open seven days a week right throughout the year.
Website : www.golfnimescampagne.com
In a magnificent setting in the heart of a well-preserved valley surrounded by "garrigue", Jean François Pignon offers horse riding at all levels – leisure through to competition. It has direct access to the paths and tracks of the departemental network, ideal for riding outdoors and upgrading your skills.
Website : www.jfpignon.com
You can dine around the large table in the vaulted dining room and when the weather is fine in the patio (bookings in advance for a minimum of four people).
Restaurants and bars in the Calvisson village square offer tables on their terraces under the plane trees. The village square also hosts a bustling farmers' market on Sunday mornings.
Check out the programme on : www.infoconcert.com
Check out the programme on : www.jazzajunas.fr
Check out the programme on : www.aiguesvivesenmusiques.org
Check out the programme on : www.festivalradiofrancemontpellier.com