Car Hire in Nimes

About Nimes

Nîmes is a city in the Gard department in the Occitania region of southern France. This Roman city, surrounded on two sides by the Monts Garrigues, has a very long history. You can experience this past here in Nîmes, as many Roman remains are in very good condition and open to visitors. In the past, Nimes was the richest city in this region.

Today, it is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in this part of France. Many also refer to Nimes as the Rome of the South of France. This is due to the many perfectly preserved Roman remains that you can see here in Nimes and its surroundings. There is the best-preserved Roman theatre in France here and the financial power of this city in the past is evident from the majestic aqueduct, which was also built in Roman times. Apart from these, there are many more religious, cultural, and other historical sites that you can visit here. There are so many great museums with rich collections of artworks and objects from the past found in this region. You will also enjoy walking around the old town, which is truly charming with its many gardens and old houses. For nature lovers, Nimes is an ideal base to explore the Cevennes Nature Park.

There are also some very good restaurants in Nimes with delicious dishes from this region. All in all, the city offers everything you need for a successful holiday. So if you are planning a road trip through the south of France, you should put Nimes on your list.

Basic info and car hire in Nimes

• Location: Occitania region, France
• Population: 149,633
• Official language: French
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Nimes has a humid subtropical climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Nimes are in good condition.
• Car hire in Nimes:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Nimes is at Nimes airport and Nimes Railway Station. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Nimes!

 Driving in Nimes

Nimes is on the main Paris - Lyon - Barcelona route and on the Mediterranean coastal route between Italy and Spain. The city is accessible via the A9 / E15 motorway and the A54 / E80 from Marseille. As in other smaller cities, the traffic here is not so heavy. But you can also get stuck on the road during rush hour when traffic is heavier. To explore the city, it's best to park your car in one of the many car parks in the city and explore Nimes on foot and by public transport. The city can be quite complicated to navigate at times. If you are here by car, you can easily find yourself driving around the city and not knowing where exactly you are.

• Age limits: The minimum age to drive a car in France is 18 years.
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passports for all people in the car), the car's registration certificate, and your M.O.T. certificate (for cars over three years old, proving the vehicle meets environmental and road safety standards), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance. (It is advisable to buy insurance at the car hire agency in case your policy doesn't cover you while driving in France)
• Additional requirements:  High-visibility, reflective vest for every person in the car, Warning triangle, Full set of replacement bulbs for head and taillights, Spare pair of glasses, Headlight converters (required if driving from, "Crit'Air" badge (required in central Paris), Breathalyzer.
• Children in the car:  Children under 13 must be in car seats or wearing seat belts appropriate for their age and height. Babies and infants about a year old or under should always be positioned in rear-facing car seats.
• Driving side of the road: Right
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: There is a variable maximum speed on French roads, depending on weather conditions. In dry weather, 2- or 3-lane rural roads are limited to 80 km/h, 4-lane expressways (in rural areas) are limited to 110 km/h, and motorways (in rural areas if classified as highways) are limited to 130 km/h. In rainy conditions, the limits are lowered to 80, 100, and 110 km/h respectively. The 50 km/h speed limit in cities is independent of weather conditions. The general speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h on all roads in fog or other poor visibility conditions when visibility is less than 50 meters.
• Parking suggestions: In the city area, you must pay for all street parking from Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am-8:00 pm, and you pay per hour. Parking is free on Sundays and holidays. Generally, you can park for up to 6 hours at a time if you do not have a resident's permit, and up to a week at a time with a permit.

What to see in Nimes

The Arena

This is probably the most famous monument in Nimes. This spectacular arena is the best-preserved Roman arena in France and even beyond. It has been used for various purposes throughout history, but the most interesting thing is that it still hosts many events such as music festivals, concerts, etc. You can also visit the exhibition about the history of this arena, which explains all the purposes of this beautiful architectural wonder.

Les Jardins de la Fontaine

These iconic historic gardens are not to be missed when you visit Nîmes. They were laid out in the 18th century in a neoclassical style and are truly special with their fountains and other decorations. You can also climb up to the Tour Magne for a spectacular view of Nimes and its surroundings.

Esplanade de Charles de Gaulle

This beautiful 16th-century square is now one of the locals' favorite spots. In the middle of the square stands the Fontaine Pradier, which is considered the city's landmark. Around it is four statues representing the four rivers of the region.

La Maison Carrée

This best-preserved Roman temple in Europe was built around 16 BC. Throughout history, it has been used for various purposes. From town hall to church and finally to a museum. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nîmes. And you will be truly amazed at how well preserved this temple is.

Le Carré d'Art

This outstanding piece of modern architecture houses a city library and a museum of modern art. It houses some of the world's most famous modern art exhibitions and is really worth a visit if you are an art lover.