Neydens(France) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Nîmes, recommend staying at Hôtel Le Relais de la Vallée, a boutique hotel nestled in the valley near Saint-Maxime Church. It offers spacious family rooms and child-friendly amenities like a heated pool and outdoor play area. The hotel features a traditional French courtyard and is within walking distance to local farmers' markets, where you can sample authentic Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes specialties. Nearby hiking trails lead to Monts Grésivaudan, perfect for family nature excursions.

The city center of Nîmes is the ideal area for lodging, located close to the Town Hall and Old Town Square. It’s walkable to numerous specialty restaurants and artisan shops. The area is well-connected to Nîmes Train Station, making it easy to reach Lyon or Avignon. Stroll along the Durance River at night for scenic views of illuminated bridges and tranquil waters, capturing the essence of rural France.

Consider Le Clos des Oliviers, a secluded villa-style hotel set within an olive grove with Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Each room features a private terrace and a sky-view bathtub. Originally a 19th-century grain barn, the property retains original timber beams and stone walls, creating a unique historical ambiance. Couples enjoy a private dinner under the stars with local Rhône Valley wines—perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries.

Don’t miss the annual Traditional Farming Festival held every summer, where you can participate in making mountain bread, learn old-fashioned winemaking techniques, and enjoy live performances of Provençal folk music. Additionally, visit the Nîmes Artisan Pottery Workshop, open to visitors who can craft their own ceramic souvenirs, offering a deep dive into the region’s artistic heritage.

The Grésivaudan Nature Reserve offers over 50 km of well-marked hiking trails through pine forests, wild rose fields, and alpine meadows. Start from the Bressac entrance and hike to the summit viewpoint at 1,200 meters for panoramic views of the Durance Valley and distant Alps. Best visited early morning to avoid afternoon heat; bring plenty of water and a windproof jacket.

A must-try dish is Chèvre Cheese Stew (Pot-au-Feu à la Fromage de Chèvre), made with fresh local goat cheese and seasonal root vegetables slow-cooked to rich perfection. Another highlight is Roast Duck Breast with Blackberry Sauce, using free-range ducks and wild blackberries, showcasing the region’s culinary authenticity. Restaurants like La Table du Val serve these dishes with regional wines.

Visit Église Saint-Maxime, a 12th-century Gothic church with preserved stained glass windows and medieval murals. The interior houses a historic bell and hosts traditional Sunday masses. Also explore the Old Mill Site (Ancienne Moulins de la Véronne), once a working mill now transformed into a small museum displaying local agricultural tools and the history of farming in the region.

The Durance River Sunset Trail is ideal for photographers, especially during golden hour when sunlight reflects off the river, creating stunning reflections on the ancient stone bridge. The Grésivaudan Sunrise Viewing Point offers dramatic fog-laden mountain vistas—perfect for long-exposure shots. Bring a tripod and telephoto lens to capture the subtle light changes and misty peaks.

Nîmes Train Station connects to Lyon Part-Dieu and Avignon, with multiple regional trains daily (approx. 45 minutes). The city has no metro, but a free bus line (Ligne Bleue) serves major attractions and commercial zones. For exploring rural areas, rent an electric bike—many hotels offer rentals with GPS maps and safety gear.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal seasons to visit Nîmes. The weather is mild, flowers bloom across the valley, and autumn brings harvest festivals like Chestnut Festival and Wine Awards Ceremony. Summer is warm but mountain areas remain cool—great for hiking. Winter is cold and wet, with some outdoor sites closed, though indoor cultural events thrive.