Nimes

We went to Nimes recently. It was during our transition from Vercors to Les Cevennes. Provence was en route and Nimes too good to miss.
The campsite was a large municipal just beyond the edge of town. As such it was impersonal but with the bus stopping just outside it was at least convenient.
As a city, Nimes is pleasant enough. Wide, busy boulevards and an old quarter where it is somewhat cooler. The main attractions are the Roman buildings. There is the Maison Caree, a water tower and a coliseum all virtually intact and described as being the best preserved examples in the world.
The Maison Caree is like a model and there is so much light bouncing around that it was almost surreal. We didn't get to the water tower. It sounded impressive enough. It was apparently to there that water was transported via the Canal du Sud and Pont du Gard to supply this important city.
The coliseum is very impressive. We did the audio tour and Stanley was particularly impressed with the descriptions of different types of gladiator.
The Romans may have achieved a lot but were barbaric beyond belief. Political prisoners were fed to lions and bears as a firm of entertainment. This was apparently not popular with the local audience though.
We liked Nimes a lot but were glad to leave that campsite. Our current location, where we'll be till we travel to Albi is at least as good as the second in Pont en Royans where we spent five nights.
Photos of Nimes to follow when I can get them off Stanley's iPod.