From Nîmes to Avignon
48 hours between Provence and Languedoc, two cities, two atmospheres
Thirty kilometers separate Nîmes from Avignon. Thirty kilometers and a world apart. On one side, the capital of Gard, Roman and bullfighting, where Occitan is spoken and the arenas still echo with the cheers of the feria. On the other, the city of Popes, Provençal and pontifical, facing the Rhône and the splendors of medieval Christianity.
In between, the Uzège acts as a discreet link. It is from this intermediate territory, neither entirely Languedocian nor entirely Provençal, that we invite you to discover these two regional capitals in a single weekend.
Day 1: Nîmes, the Roman city
Morning: Start with the Arenas, a remarkably preserved 1st-century amphitheater. The audioguide is excellent. Continue to the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple transformed into a setting for an immersive film on the history of Nemausus.
Lunch: Les Halles de Nîmes, a covered market where the best producers of the region have their stalls. Settle down at the counter of the Bar à Huîtres or order a brandade at Raymond's.
Afternoon: The Musée de la Romanité, inaugurated in 2018 opposite the Arenas. Spectacular architecture, exceptional collections, modern scenography. Then stroll through the Ecusson, the historic center: Rue de l'Aspic, Place aux Herbes, Jardin de la Fontaine.
Dinner: Le Ciel de Nîmes, rooftop of the Carré d'Art with a view of the illuminated Maison Carrée. Refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Day 2: Avignon, the Pontifical city
Morning: The Palais des Papes is a must-see. This oversized Gothic monument, the largest medieval palace in Europe, can be visited in two hours with the histopad (augmented reality tablet). Follow up with the Rocher des Doms, a garden overlooking the Rhône with views of the Pont Saint-Bénézet and Mont Ventoux.
Lunch: La Mirande, a gastronomic restaurant located in a 17th-century mansion, at the foot of the Palace. Or, more simply, L'Épicerie, Place Saint-Pierre, for fresh and generous market cuisine.
Afternoon: The Collection Lambert, a contemporary art museum housed in two 18th-century mansions. Then cross the bridge to reach Villeneuve-lez-Avignon and its charterhouse, a haven of peace.
The stopover between the two: the Uzège
To connect these two days, unpack your bags in the Uzège. Equidistant from Nîmes and Avignon, this preserved territory offers the calm and authenticity that large cities can no longer guarantee. The Domaine de Panéry, in the commune of Pouzilhac, offers an immersion in an ecosystem where vineyards, olive trees and hospitality blend harmoniously.
The ideal program: Arrival at the end of the day, aperitif on the terrace overlooking the vineyards, dinner at the Table du Domaine. The next morning, visit the cellar and the mill, tasting, then drive to Avignon via the small country roads.
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Practical information: Nîmes and Avignon are both connected by TGV to Paris (3 hours). Car rental is recommended to explore the Uzège. The Domaine de Panéry is 25 min from Nîmes and 35 min from Avignon.