Porte de France, Roman city gate in Nîmes, France.
The Porte de France is a Roman city gate in Nîmes featuring a classical arched passage with four pilasters and decorative stonework at its crown. The structure displays characteristic Roman architecture with its solid barrel vault design.
The gate was built in the first century BC as part of the defensive walls that protected the ancient city. It served as a key entry point for controlling movement and commerce into the urban center.
The gate takes its name from the adjacent street and demonstrates how Romans organized their cities through grand entrances. Visitors can see the stone arches and pillars that shaped the daily appearance of ancient Nîmes.
The gate is located on Rue Porte de France and is easily accessible for viewing from both outside and inside. The site sits within the historic center and can be explored on foot.
Of the several ancient city gates that once guarded Nîmes, this one is the sole survivor with this specific architectural form. The rarity of this structure makes it a valuable record of Roman building techniques.
Location: Nîmes
Part of: Roman city wall at Nîmes
Address: rue Porte de France
GPS coordinates: 43.83270,4.35776
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:44
Nîmes brings together two thousand years of architecture in one view. As you walk, you pass from the Roman amphitheater of the first century to the glass façade of the Carré d'Art, built in the 1990s. The Maison Carrée, an ancient temple with Corinthian columns, faces this contemporary art museum in a striking contrast. The Jardins de la Fontaine combine Roman ruins with 18th-century landscaping, with terraces, pools, and shaded paths. The city offers many great spots for photos. From the Tour Magne, you can see the rooftops and the surrounding countryside. The central squares, like Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, line with plane trees and fountains. The Porte Auguste marks the old city entrance along the Roman road. Every street and corner reveals a piece of history or an architectural detail that shows how Nîmes grew, changed, and kept its past alive.
Amphitheater of Nîmes
286 m
Musée de la Romanité
388 m
Fontaine Pradier
443 m
Musée des beaux-arts de Nîmes
245 m
Église Saint-Paul de Nîmes
453 m
Justice Court in Nîmes
389 m
Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle
430 m
Town hall of Nîmes
468 m
Prefecture of Gard mansion
426 m
Avocaterie des pauvres
426 m
Château Fadaise
394 m
Nîmes World War I memorial
336 m
Hôtel de Bernis
485 m
Former Hôtel-Dieu
29 m
Bézard mansion
445 m
Foulc mansion
297 m
Novi de Caveirac mansion
479 m
Hôtel du Louvre
297 m
Courtois pastry shop
424 m
Rozel
420 m
Mur du Bas-Empire
267 m
Place du Marché
400 m
Chapelle Saint-Joseph de l'Hôtel-Dieu de Nîmes
87 m
Nîmes St Paul church, main organ
453 m
Bas-relief romain
418 m
Nîmes, Porte-de-France street N°40
151 m
Temple de l'Oratoire, Nîmes
228 m
Star's street N°23
403 mReviews
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