Costières de Nîmes: Expect the Unexpected!

The city of Nîmes, home to the famous ‘arènes’ (one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres) and the UNESCO-listed Maison Carrée, showcases 2,500 years of history.  Did you know, vines already grew here as early as five centuries BCE? The ancient Greeks established Costières de Nîmes as the birthplace of French viticulture, a role that became even more significant under the Romans.   

Our top tip for an off-the-beaten-track adventure: Head to Domaine de Poulvarel in Sernhac and explore its network of ancient tunnels. Immerse yourself in the history of life and viticulture in Roman times as you take this remarkable walk through the tunnels of Cantarelles and Perrotte. Back above ground, round off your journey with a tasting of estate wines. 

From Sernhac to Vauvert and from Nimes to Beaucaire, the Costières de Nîmes beckon you to take an unforgettable road-trip. Across the region’s 24 municipalities, over 60 wine estates welcome visitors to soak up the region’s rich history – a unique blend of Mediterranean and Cévennes influences – while sampling an astounding array of fresh, fruity wines. The secret behind these delicious wines lies in the terroir: rounded pebbles and a Mediterranean climate cooled by sea breezes. 

Our top tip for a fun experience: For something completely different, why not try the Aperitif/Tasting Escape Game at Château de Nages? The Gassier family have designed a special cool-box in which you’ll find everything you need for a traditional French “apéro” – a delightful occasion to share drinks, light bites and good company. But there’s a problem. The cool-box is locked, and only solving a series of puzzles will unlock it... 

Here, close to the Mediterranean Sea, Nature is at its most fragrant. Vines abound, of course, but there’s also lavender, helichrysum, cistus and thyme, all highly fragrant garrigue plants and a source of endless delight to perfume makers, who come here for inspiration and to gather scents for their exclusive fragrances. 

Our top tip for a unique creative activity: Make your own custom perfume at Un Mas en Provence, growers and distillers of organic essential oils.  Un Mas en Provence host a workshop where you can explore the history of perfume, sharpen your scent perception and create your own bespoke fragrance, crafted with care both for the environment and your own well-being. 

After-work drinks are having a moment - so in Nîmes, get in with the in-crowd and raise your glass at JeuDiVin (Wine Thursday), the weekly go-to event. Every Thursday evening throughout the summer, from 6pm onwards, the Costières de Nîmes appellation winegrowers set up an open-air pop-up wine bar on Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, right by the famous arena. Sample their wines across all three colours, soak up the laid-back, friendly atmosphere and sip your drink as you listen to live music – a different style to enjoy every week.  

Top tip: Treat yourself to a delicious meal on-site, freshly made and 100% locally sourced!