Nîmes: The Rome of France

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh muh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh sey-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zahsh-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tun ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dee-z ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-ay]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Nîmes, originally known as Nemausus, was founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC. The city's strategic location along the Via Domitia, a Roman road linking Italy and Spain, contributed to its growth and prosperity. Many of Nîmes' most famous landmarks, such as the Arena of Nîmes, the Maison Carrée, and the Pont du Gard, were constructed during this period, reflecting the city's importance in the Roman Empire.

Built around 70 AD, the Arena of Nîmes is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Originally designed to host gladiatorial games and public spectacles, the arena could seat up to 24,000 spectators. Today, it remains a central cultural venue, hosting concerts, bullfights, and historical reenactments.

The Maison Carrée is a remarkably well-preserved Roman temple constructed during the late 1st century BC. Dedicated to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, the grandsons of Emperor Augustus, the temple's architecture is a prime example of classical Roman design. Its enduring beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit landmark in Nîmes.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Nîmes experienced a period of decline and was frequently attacked by various invaders. However, during the Middle Ages, the city began to recover and was fortified with walls and towers. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Castor, built in the 11th century, stands as a testament to the city's medieval history and its enduring faith.

Nîmes played a significant role in the French Wars of Religion during the 16th century. The city, which had a substantial Huguenot population, saw intense conflict between Catholics and Protestants. The Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Day in 1572 led to widespread violence, deeply affecting the city and its people. Despite the turmoil, Nîmes eventually became known for its spirit of religious tolerance.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Nîmes became a major center for the textile industry. The city is particularly famous for its production of a sturdy cotton fabric known as 'serge de Nîmes,' which is the origin of the word 'denim.' This durable fabric became immensely popular and is now synonymous with jeans worldwide.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Nîmes underwent significant modernization and urban development. The city embraced its rich heritage while fostering a cultural renaissance. Today, Nîmes boasts a vibrant arts scene, numerous festivals, and a commitment to preserving its historical landmarks. The renovation of ancient structures and the construction of contemporary buildings, such as the Carré d'Art, highlight the city's blend of history and modernity.

Nîmes is well-connected and accessible by various means of transportation. The nearest international airport is Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport, located about 12 kilometers from the city center. Alternatively, you can fly into Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport or Marseille-Provence Airport, which are approximately 50 and 100 kilometers away, respectively. From these airports, you can take a shuttle bus, train, or rent a car to reach Nîmes. The city is also easily accessible by train, with direct TGV (high-speed train) services from Paris, Lyon, and other major cities. If you prefer driving, Nîmes is well-connected by highways A9 and A54.

Nîmes has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses and trams operated by Tango. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, on buses, or via the Tango app. A single ticket is valid for an hour of travel across all modes of transport. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. For those who prefer cycling, Nîmes offers bike rentals through the VéloTango service. The city center is quite walkable, making it easy to explore the historical sites on foot.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Nîmes. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting local markets, smaller shops, or rural areas. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and many offer instructions in multiple languages.

Nîmes is generally a safe city, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious in crowded places where pickpocketing can occur. The neighborhoods around the train station can be a bit sketchy, so it is best to stay vigilant. Always keep an eye on your belongings and use hotel safes for valuables.

In case of an emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number. For medical emergencies, Nîmes University Hospital (CHU de Nîmes) offers comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are easily found throughout the city and often have extended hours. For police assistance, head to the nearest police station, or dial 17 for immediate help. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected situations.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops and shorts when dining out. Religion: Do respect religious sites such as Nîmes Cathedral by dressing modestly and keeping noise levels down. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding buses and trams. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Bonjour' and a handshake or a light kiss on the cheek (bises) for closer acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like brandade de morue and Costières de Nîmes wine. Don't rush your meals; dining is a leisurely affair in France.

To experience Nîmes like a local, visit the Les Halles market to buy fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a leisurely stroll through the Jardins de la Fontaine, and don't miss the Roman monuments like the Arena of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée. For a less touristy experience, explore the Écusson district with its narrow streets and hidden courtyards. Engage with locals at cafes and bistros; they are often willing to share insights about the city's history and culture.