Écusson

The Écusson, the historic centre of Nîmes

The Écusson is the historic heart of Nîmes, a maze of lanes and squares around the Roman monuments. The Nîmes audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this old district, where ancient heritage, mansions and lively life mingle.

The old heart of the city

The Écusson designates the historic centre of Nîmes, so named because of its shape recalling a coat of arms. This dense district, made of narrow lanes, shaded small squares, mansions and secret courtyards, developed around the great Roman monuments and the cathedral. Animated by its shops, its cafés and its markets, it harmoniously blends the ancient, medieval and classical heritage, and constitutes the living heart of the city.

What to see

Here you wander in the lanes, the small squares and the secret courtyards, between Roman monuments, mansions, cafés and shops, in the historic heart of Nîmes. The Écusson blends ancient, medieval and classical heritage. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Écusson extends in the heart of Nîmes, around the great Roman monuments, reachable on foot. It is a freely accessible public district; its lanes are explored on foot. The monuments, shops and markets have their own hours. The district is lively all day.

Why is the historic centre of Nîmes called the Écusson?

Because of its shape recalling a coat of arms; it is the old heart of the city, which developed around the Roman monuments and the cathedral.

Where is the Écusson of Nîmes?

In the heart of Nîmes, around the great Roman monuments, in the Gard.