Journées Romaines de Nîmes (Roman Days of Nîmes) is a spectacular historical reenactment festival held each spring in the southern French city of Nîmes, celebrating its rich Roman heritage. Centered around the city’s magnificent Arena of Nîmes, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, the festival features gladiator battles, military parades, theatrical performances, and living-history camps that bring antiquity vividly to life. Participants in authentic costumes recreate daily life from ancient Rome, while visitors enjoy workshops, markets, and family activities throughout the city. Blending education, spectacle, and archaeological grandeur, the Roman Days of Nîmes transport guests back two millennia to the glory of the Roman Empire.
DATES & TIMES
• Festival dates (2026): Friday, April 24–Sunday, April 26, 2026. City of Nîmes (official).
• Arena show (“Spartacus, l’esclave qui défia Rome”) times (official): Fri, Apr 24 at 5:30 PM; Sat, Apr 25 at 3:30 PM; Sun, Apr 26 at 3:30 PM. Official program.
LOCATION
• Nîmes, France. Open in Google Maps.
• Main venue: Arènes de Nîmes (Boulevard des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes). Open in Google Maps · Venue site.
• Antique market location (official): Esplanade Charles de Gaulle, Nîmes. Open in Google Maps.
• Musée de la Romanité: 16 Boulevard des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes. Open in Google Maps · Access (official).
TICKETS & ENTRY
• The arena show is ticketed; the City of Nîmes publishes official price categories (Cat. 3–Carré Or) and directs reservations to arenes-nimes.com. Official prices · Ticketing (Arènes).
• “Fort des légionnaires” (camp) is ticketed (official): €7 / €4, free under age 4; tickets sold on site and online. Source.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Antique market hours (official): Fri 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Official program.
• Many city-center performances, workshops, and activities are listed as free; confirm the schedule by venue on the official program page. Official program.
• The City of Nîmes notes the event is organized with Edeis (manager of the Roman monuments). Organizer info.