Top 20 Castles around Nimes
Best castles around Nimes are found in the region surrounding the city, which is known for its Roman heritage. The area features diverse landscapes, from the Rhône River banks to the Vidourle valley and views stretching to the Cévennes. This region offers a variety of historical sites, including fortified castles, medieval fortresses, and ducal palaces. Many of these structures provide insights into the area's rich history and offer panoramic views.
Best castles around Nimes
- The most popular castles is Towers and ramparts of Aigues-Mortes, a castle that forms an almost perfect rectangle with its city wall and ten gates. This site is a popular tourist destination, allowing visitors to explore its magnificent fortified walls.
- Another must-see spot is Aiguèze, a settlement with remarkably preserved medieval remains. Visitors can explore the keep, the Saracen tower, and a covered walkway offering views of the Ardèche gorges.
- Visitors also love Fort Saint-André, a castle built in the 1360s on Mont Andaon. This impressive fortress housed permanent barracks, a court of law, and a prison, offering a glimpse into medieval military architecture.
- Nimes is known for fortified castles, medieval fortresses, and ducal palaces. The region offers a variety of historical structures, from well-preserved strongholds to inhabited residences and scenic ruins.
- The castles around Nimes are appreciated by the komoot community. More than 800 upvotes and over 240 photos have been shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Tower of Constance
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Aiguèze
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Aigues-Mortes — fortified town
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Before this fortification and the creation of a large port, the city was above all a village of fishermen and salt workers, the surrounding marshes and ponds being exploited since the Neolithic period. The name of the city comes from these marshes or “Eaux Mortes” (nowadays magnificent and rich in biodiversity, like all of the Camargue, but at the time rather synonymous with disease).
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Towers and ramparts of Aigues-Mortes
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Fort Saint-André
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Charterhouse of Valbonne
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It has a monastery church, a large cloister (355 meters in circumference) and a small cloister (early 13th century), as well as numerous chapels. Several of its towers, as well as the roof of the monastery church and its bell tower, are covered with glazed tiles in the Burgundian style, which gives the whole an extremely picturesque appearance for a Provençal charterhouse.
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Fourques Castle
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This quadrilateral with formerly crenellated curtain walls, flanked by four corner towers, is a remarkable and very well preserved example of medieval civil and military architecture. The surrounding walls, as they appear to us today, appear to date from the 12th century. The tower covers date from the beginning of the 17th century. The battlements were dismantled during the revolution. The courtyard retains a remarkable basket-handle well.
In 1070 Raymond IV of St Gilles, Count of Toulouse, took the side of Aicard, archbishop of Arles, and returned to him “the third part of the castle of Fourques and half of that of Albaron”
In 1181, the building was besieged by Alphonse of Aragon, then at war with Raymond of Toulouse who held Fourques and his castle in fief of the Archbishop of Arles.
In 1215, Simon de Montfort paid liege homage to Archbishop Michel de Moriès, and took the whole of Terre d'Argence (including Beaucaire and Fourques) into fiefdom.
In 1229, after the Treaty of Meaux, Terre d’Argence joined the royal domain.
In 1470, under the reign of Louis
In 1562, (First War of Religion) The “religionists” (Protestants) seized the castle in May, they did not keep it long but had time to degrade and ruin the church of the place which was not rebuilt that towards the end of the century. On June 2, Catholic troops from Provence crossed the Rhône at Tarascon and captured the castle of Fourques, driving out the Protestants on July 10. »
From the 17th century to the Revolution, the castle was acquired successively by the sieur de Créquy, whose heir was the constable of Lesdiguières, then by Mr. de Moynier, general treasurer of France, finally by Mr. de Bon, first president of the Court of Auditors of Montpellier.
In 1810, Henriette Suzanne de Boissy d'Anglas, (daughter of the Conventional Deputy François Antoine de Boissy d'Anglas) bought the castle and had it restored under the direction of Auguste Véran, Arlesian architect of historical monuments.
Today, his heirs still own it. fourques.com/chateau-de-fourques
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Towers and Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes
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They are particularly notable for their good condition. Together with the Tower of Constance, they form an exceptional testimony in Western Europe of military architecture in a swampy environment in the 13th and 14th centuries.
The ramparts, castle and tower of Constance have been classified as a historic monument since December 1, 1903.
Here is also the entrance to take a walk on the city walls (paying).
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The Collegiate Church and the Citadel
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King René's Castle, or Tarascon Castle
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Tips from the Community
Fort Saint-André near Avignon sits atop a hill above Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, offering sweeping views of the Rhône and the papal city. The fortress dates back to the 14th century and is almost completely preserved, including its defensive walls, towers, and chapel. Visitors can explore the historic defenses and admire the medieval architecture from the battlements. Exhibitions and guided tours are regularly held on site, vividly conveying the region's history.
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Pont-Saint-Esprit on the Rhône River captivates with its historic bridge architecture and charming old town atmosphere. Stroll along the Rhône and enjoy the view of the picturesque riverside promenades. The town offers small markets, cafés, and Provençal life away from the tourist crowds. Cultural highlights such as the Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers Church perfectly round out your visit.
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Very nice! The information on the website that dogs are allowed is incorrect.
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In the evening, a wonderful view over the valley. There are small restaurants in the village and a great one at the very end 🍦.
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A beautiful, old fortified town with nice restaurants and shops. For a small fee, you can take a walk along the city walls. Parking for cars is sometimes quite expensive – bicycles can be parked for free right at the entrance (and locked up).
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Beautiful old town with its mighty walls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Nîmes are particularly well-preserved and offer a glimpse into medieval life?
For well-preserved medieval structures, consider visiting Fort Saint-André near Avignon, which housed barracks, a court, and a prison. Another excellent example is King René's Castle (Tarascon Castle), a splendid Provençal fortified castle on the Rhône. The Towers and ramparts of Aigues-Mortes also offer a magnificent fortified experience.
Are there any castles near Nîmes that are still inhabited or have a continuous history?
Yes, the Château de Villevieille, located between Nîmes and Montpellier, is a notable example. This 11th-century castle has been continuously inhabited and cared for by the same family since 1529, offering a unique living piece of history.
What castles offer the best panoramic views of the surrounding region?
Fort Saint-André, built on Mont Andaon, provides commanding views of the Rhône River and the papal city. The Château de Villevieille overlooks the Vidourle valley with views stretching to the Cévennes. Additionally, the ruins of Château de Gicon, at 254 meters altitude, offer beautiful views of the Rhône Valley.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites suitable for children near Nîmes?
Many sites are suitable for families. Tower of Constance and the Towers and ramparts of Aigues-Mortes are popular for exploring fortified walls. The medieval village of Aiguèze, with its keep and covered walkway, is also family-friendly. The legend of the Tarasque monster associated with Tarascon Castle can also be engaging for children.
What kind of outdoor activities or hiking trails can I find near these castles?
The region offers various outdoor activities. For running, you can explore trails like the Gorges du Gardon or the Aigues-Mortes and Carbonnière Tower Loop. If you prefer hiking, there are easy routes such as the Junas Stone Discovery Trail or the Pont du Gard loop. More challenging mountain hikes are also available, like those around the Pont d'Arc. You can find more details on these routes in the Running Trails around Nimes, Easy hikes around Nimes, and Mountain Hikes around Nimes guides.
Are there any castles that are more of a ruin but still interesting to visit for their historical significance or views?
Yes, Château de Gicon is a 12th-century ruin that offers beautiful views of the Rhône Valley and an orientation table to learn about the area. It's a destination for those interested in exploring historical ruins and scenic landscapes.
What is the best time of year to visit castles around Nîmes?
Spring and autumn are generally ideal for visiting castles in the Nîmes region. The weather is typically mild, making it comfortable for exploring outdoor sites and walking around. Summers can be very hot, while winters are cooler but still offer pleasant days for visits.
Are there any castles or historical sites near Nîmes that are dog-friendly?
The medieval village of Aiguèze is listed as dog-friendly, allowing you to explore its remarkably preserved medieval remains with your canine companion.
What kind of architectural styles can I expect to see among the castles in this region?
You'll encounter a range of styles, from the imposing Provençal fortified architecture of King René's Castle in Tarascon to the 14th-century military design of Fort Saint-André. The Ducal Palace of Uzès, while a palace, features a Gothic chapel and medieval watchtower elements. Fourques Castle is a well-preserved example of a fortified medieval four-sided farmer's castle.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites near Nîmes?
Visitors frequently appreciate the impressive scale and preservation of sites like the Fort Saint-André, often noting the fantastic views. The medieval charm and well-preserved remains of villages like Aiguèze are also highly praised, as are the opportunities for strolling within the fortified walls of places like Aigues-Mortes.
Are there any castles that offer insights into the region's religious history?
While not a traditional castle, the Charterhouse of Valbonne is a significant religious and historical site in the region. The Tower of Constance in Aigues-Mortes also has a strong connection to religious history, having served as a prison for Protestants during the Huguenot Wars.
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