Attractions & Map

The Hotel Imperator is located in the heart of Nimes, just 150 metres from the unique Maison Carrée and the bold modern Carré d'Art directly opposite. Just a short walk along the Quai de la Fontaine from the Hotel Imperator are the beautiful Jardins de la Fontaine, popular gardens laid out in the 18th century on an ancient site abandoned since the Middle Ages. The other attractions of Nimes, including the Roman Amphitheatre, are only a short distance away from the Hotel Imperator.

Maison Carrée
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A beautifully proportioned building, the Maison Carrée is one of the best preserved Roman temples in the world. It has been in continuous use since the 11th century, used successively as a church, stables, apartments and government offices.

Carré d'Art
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A bold, ultra-modern building located opposite the Maison Carré, the Carré d'Art was designed by the British architect Sir Norman Foster. A light, graceful structure constructed of concrete, glass and steel, it houses a library, as well as a roof-terrace café.

Amphitheatre

Dating from the 1st or 2nd century AD, this Roman arena held over 23,000 spectators. In the Middle Ages the building was turned into a fortress, and houses were built in the interior. Today the amphitheatre is used for events including concerts and bullfights.

Jardins de la Fontaine

Popular formal gardens laid out in the 18th century by Jean-Philippe Mareschal, the king's military engineer, to the designs of Le Notre. The gardens, with their streams and fountains, adjoin the vaults and marble statuary of the ancient Temple of Diana.

Tour Magne
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This octagonal Roman tower, 32 metres high, was built by the Emperor Augustus in 15 BC around a much older Iron Age tower high on a hilltop overlooking Nimes. The upper level has disappeared, but it is still spectacular, and the views are tremendous.