Nîmes

Nîmes (Nimes in Provençal) is a city of southern France, préfecture (capital city) of the Gard département.

The city derives its name from Nemausus, its Celtic patron god.

Several important remains of the Roman Empire can still be seen in and around Nîmes:

• Amphitheatre, which is still used today as a bull fighting and concert arena.
• Maison Carrée (Square House), a small Roman temple dedicated to sons of Augustus Caesar.
• The nearby Pont du Gard, a well-preserved aqueduct that used to carry water across the small Gardon river valley.

Nîmes is historically known for its textiles. Denim, the fabric in blue jeans, derives its name from this city.

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