Rent a Motorhome in Nîmes and Discover Provence

Your Adventure Begins: Discover Nîmes

Welcome to Nîmes, the city of art, history, and the perfect starting point for your French adventure! When you choose to rent a motorhome Nîmes, you’re not just hiring a vehicle; you’re unlocking a world of freedom in one of France's most captivating regions.

Geography and Location

Nîmes is strategically located in the Occitanie region of Southern France, serving as the capital of the Gard department. It sits at a crossroads of incredible landscapes. To the north lie the rugged hills of the Cévennes, to the east is the sun-drenched beauty of Provence, to the south is the wild Camargue delta, and to the west are the vineyards of Languedoc. This prime location makes it an unrivaled base when you rent a campervan Nîmes, allowing you to tailor your road trip to whatever your heart desires.

A Dive into History

Nîmes' history is rich and profoundly Roman. Often called the "French Rome," the city boasts some of the best-preserved Roman monuments outside of Italy. Its story begins over 2,000 years ago when it became an important outpost of the Roman Empire. The city's emblem, a crocodile chained to a palm tree, commemorates the Roman victory in Egypt. This heritage is not just in museums; it's etched into the very streets and stones of the city, waiting for you to explore. Opting to rent a motorhome Nîmes allows you to dive deep into this history at your own pace.

People and Culture

Today, Nîmes is a vibrant city with a population of around 150,000 people, known as Nîmois. They are proud of their unique identity, a blend of Languedoc tradition, Provençal charm, and a hint of Spanish influence, particularly visible during the famous Ferias (bullfighting festivals). The city was also home to the writer Alphonse Daudet, who captured the spirit of the region in his works. When you explore the city, you'll feel this warm and lively atmosphere.

Weather and Best Time to Travel

Nîmes enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and sunny, perfect for those who love the heat, but it can be crowded. Winters are mild, though sometimes subject to the cold Mistral wind. For a road trip, the best times to rent a campervan Nîmes are undoubtedly spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, the landscapes are at their most beautiful, and the summer crowds have thinned out, giving you more space to enjoy the sights. This is the ideal setting for your adventure. Starting your journey here is the best decision for anyone wanting to see the real South of France.

What to See and Do in and Around Nîmes

Once you've picked up the keys to your vehicle, the city and its surroundings are yours to discover. To rent a campervan Nîmes is to have a front-row seat to thousands of years of history and culture.

The Roman Amphitheatre (Arènes de Nîmes)

You can't miss it. This magnificent amphitheater, built around 70 AD, is a testament to Roman engineering. It once held 24,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests. Today, it hosts concerts, events, and the famous Nîmes Ferias. Imagine standing in the same place as ancient Romans – an awe-inspiring experience.

Maison Carrée

This is one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Its stunning classical architecture, with intricate Corinthian columns, has inspired countless buildings across the globe, including the Virginia State Capitol in the USA. It's a breathtaking sight, especially when lit up at night.

Jardins de la Fontaine

Escape the city buzz in one of Europe's first public parks. Built around the ancient Roman spring, these gardens are a beautiful mix of classical statues, canals, and lush greenery. Climb to the top of the hill to find the Tour Magne, an ancient Roman tower offering panoramic views of Nîmes.

Musée de la Romanité

Located directly opposite the Amphitheatre, this state-of-the-art museum brings Nîmes' Roman past to life. Its innovative displays and incredible collection of mosaics and artifacts are a must-see for any history lover. It's the perfect complement to visiting the ancient sites themselves.

Pont du Gard

A short drive from the city, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an absolute must-visit when you rent a motorhome Nîmes. The three-tiered Roman aqueduct is a marvel of ancient engineering. You can park your campervan nearby, swim in the Gardon River below, and spend a day marveling at its scale and beauty.

Unforgettable Road Trips Starting from Nîmes

With Nîmes as your starting point, countless adventures are just a drive away. Here are a couple of tour ideas to get your journey started after you rent a motorhome Nîmes.

🏛️ The Roman Legacy & Provence Tour (4 Days)

🦩 The Wild Camargue & Coast Tour (3 Days)

Returning Your Campervan Spotless in Nîmes

After an amazing trip, you'll need to return your campervan clean, inside and out. Finding a car wash that can accommodate a tall motorhome can be tricky, as standard automatic car washes are too low.

You'll need to look for a high-vehicle washing station (station de lavage haute-pression) or a truck wash (lavage poids lourds). These facilities have open bays and powerful jet washes that allow you to clean the roof and sides of your campervan easily.

Here are a few suitable options in and around Nîmes:

1. Eléphant Bleu Nîmes Ville Active
These stations are common in France and usually have at least one high-clearance bay suitable for campervans. They are self-service, so you can take your time to do a thorough job.
Address: 170 Rue Jean Lauret, 30900 Nîmes

2. Lavage Camargue Poids Lourds
A dedicated truck wash is always a safe bet. They are equipped for large vehicles and provide the space and equipment you need. It’s a reliable choice to get your motorhome spotless before returning it.
Address: 1850 Avenue Maréchal Juin, 30900 Nîmes

3. Intermarché Station-service Nîmes
Many larger supermarket fuel stations have high-pressure jet wash bays. Check the one at Intermarché, as they often have the clearance needed for a motorhome.
Address: 2225 Route de Beaucaire, 30000 Nîmes

Always check the height clearance signs before entering any wash bay, just to be safe!

Your Journey to Nîmes

Your journey to rent a motorhome Nîmes is straightforward, with several options available for international travelers.

From the UK & Ireland:

The easiest way is to fly. Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport (NIM) has seasonal direct flights from London Stansted (Ryanair) and other UK airports. Alternatively, you can fly into the larger nearby airports of Montpellier (MPL) or Marseille (MRS), which have more frequent flights from London, Dublin, Manchester, and Bristol on airlines like easyJet and British Airways. From there, it's a short train or bus ride to Nîmes.

From the USA & Canada:

There are no direct flights to Nîmes. The best strategy is to fly from major hubs like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Toronto (YYZ), or Vancouver (YVR) to a major European city like Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), or London (LHR). From there, you can catch a connecting flight to Montpellier (MPL) or Marseille (MRS). An excellent alternative is to take the high-speed TGV train directly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Nîmes, which is a scenic and relaxing journey.

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:

Your journey will involve one or two layovers. Typically, you will fly from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB) to a major hub in the Middle East (like Dubai or Doha) or Asia (like Singapore). From there, you'll connect to a flight to Paris (CDG), Montpellier (MPL) or Marseille (MRS). Once in France, the TGV train network provides fast and efficient connections to Nîmes.

Upon arrival, picking up your pre-booked campervan is easy, allowing you to start your French road trip without delay. Starting your adventure is simple when you rent a campervan Nîmes.