Nimes

(Pictures: Nimes Arena; Maison Carree; Boulevard de Victor Hugo, along a canal in Nimes; view of the Jardins de la Fontaine; the Tour Magne; view of Nimes from the top of the Tour Magne)

Today was our last full day in France, and we spent it touring the city of Nimes and visiting the various Roman ruins that are located here. All of the ruins in the city are over 2000 years old. The weather was absolutely gorgeous (yes, the sky really was that blue!) and the day was very enjoyable. May 1 is a holiday in France, similar to Labor Day in the United States. There was a large marathon being held in the city this morning, and we saw many of the participants pass by as we walked along. It was neat to see the city celebrating, with musicians and dancers creating a lively atmosphere in the city square.

First we went to the Nimes Arena and took a very interesting audio tour. We learned all about the history of the arena, as well as Roman culture and customs, including gladiators and other spectacles. This arena is one of the 20 largest Roman arenas that remain today, and is the most well-preserved of all of them.

We then headed to the Maison Carree, a Roman temple. Unfortunately the temple is under restoration and some unsightly scaffolding was set up all along one side, but it was still a great sight to see. After a break for lunch, I headed to the Jardins de la Fontaine which were beautiful! A system of canals runs through this large park, and there are many fountains scattered throughout. The scenery was almost tropical, and reminded me of how close I am to the Mediterranean Sea. After passing through the park, I walked up to the top of the hill, which also has many walking paths weaving through a quiet, wooded area. At the top of the hill is the Tour Magne, an ancient Roman watchtower. This is the highest point in the city. I climbed to the top and viewed a wondeful panorama of the city of Nimes and the surrounding area.

It was a last day very well spent. Tonight we catch an evening train back to Paris, and tomorrow we fly home, marking the end of our trip. It's been an amazing experience and I've very much enjoyed documenting it every step of the way! Thank you for reading!

Pont du Gard

We caught another early morning train and made our way to Nimes. Nimes is in the region of Provence and is only 20 km away from the Mediterranean Sea! Here we met Gramzie’s French friend Terri. They were at Wellesley together for one year while Terri had a scholarship to study in the United States. Terri is really great and it’s been fun to have another native French person to show us around.

We got lunch at a little outdoor café and then caught a bus to the Pont du Gard. This is a 2000 year-old Roman aqueduct a little ways outside the city. This might be my favorite thing that we have seen so far. I distinctly remember studying the Pont du Gard in school and thinking it was really interesting, and it was my specific request that this be added to our itinerary. And was it worth it! The weather was absolutely beautiful today and the time spent outside was very enjoyable. There are many different paths around the Pont, each providing a different, spectacular view. I hiked to the top of the hill and viewed the Pont from the top. During the peak season, May to September, visitors can climb to the top of the aqueduct and walk along. Unfortunately for me, today is April 30th! Oh well. The trip was still amazing and I really loved it.

For dinner the three of us went to a little restaurant nearby our hotel. This was a very neat little establishment. It is owned by a 74 year old woman who has been running it for 48 years! It was all traditional, home-cooked French cuisine. For an appetizer we had fish soup which was different but very tasty. Then we had rib steak served with delicious mashed potatoes, and the traditional French dish – Ratatouille! It was all very good. I was too full for dessert but Gramzie had a caramel crème dish, similar to Crème Brulee (I’ve learned this is her favorite dessert – she gets it every chance she has!) and Terri had the a flan-like dessert served with pears.

Tomorrow is our last day in France and we will spend it touring the city of Nimes and the ancient Roman ruins located here.