We arrived in Nimes after two train rides from Barcelona. Although our bags went through security, there wasn’t really any fanfare about crossing from Spain into France. Our hotel was a 2 minute walk from the train station which made for very simple travel!

Once settled, we went exploring. The first noticeable change here was the running water in the city and the green trees. After Barcelona, which is in its fourth year of drought and all the fountains are dry, this was so refreshing. Nimes was historically built near a spring, so the relationship with water is centuries old. We found our way to the museum, and there was a display about Archilles. It was fascinating to see artifacts that were so old. I liked the story, but more so the old pottery and actual glimpses into the lives of people long past.

The next day we visited the stadium. A place where gladiators used to fight against each other. It’s a huge complex and is still in use. Sitting in the seats looking down, I could imagine what it might have been like. I guess we have all seen movies set in that era and that feeds the imagination, but actually being there is something else.

I found the history awing, and it led to reflection about us home sapiens and our development of social structure in our societies over time. Pretty hefty topic, but the environment led to that thinking for me. The temple to the goddess Diana has not been restored, but somehow you can get an essence of what the place was like in times past. Archeologists believe the building contained a library among other things.

After the temple dedicated to Diana, we went for a walk up a fairly steep hill. There were gardens on each side of the pathways and it was a very warm but enjoyable walk. When we arrived at the top, there was a tower that was one of the last standing of 70 towers that were along the city wall. This was the highest point and critical in the defense of Nimes during its history. We had a pass to climb the tower, so up we went. The staircase was very spiral, narrow, and steep. No good if you suffered from vertigo! The climb was so worthwhile while as the view was spectacular.

Only a small number of people could be at the top, so we began the descent.

I forgot to mention that we went to the morning market in Nimes. What an exciting place. So much food and so much variety. I bought some goat cheese,( which was delicious), and it was very inspiring for my own cheese making. We bought tomatoes, olives, fresh fruit, bread for my sister and crackers for me. There was also some chocolate and freshly made  nougat. Dinner in our hotel room was an excellent treat!

Nimes was an experience that surpassed my expectations.  But all too soon,  it was time to leave. Next stop – to Nice and the Mediterranean!