Arenes de Nimes (Arena of Nîmes), Nimes (must see)

The Arena of Nîmes is a magnificent Roman amphitheatre. Erected around 100 CE, shortly after the renowned Colosseum of Rome, this arena stands as one of the world's most exceptionally preserved Roman amphitheatres. With its remarkable dimensions, the Arena of Nîmes measures 133 meters (436 feet) in length and 101 meters (331 feet) in width, featuring an arena that spans 68 by 38 meters (223 by 125 feet). Its grand outer facade soars to a height of 21 meters (69 feet) and boasts two storeys adorned with 60 arcades. Among the 400 Roman amphitheatres known to exist, it ranks among the 20 largest.

In ancient times, this grand structure had the capacity to accommodate a crowd of 24,000 spectators, who were accommodated across 34 tiers of terraces divided into four self-contained zones or maeniana. The arena served a dual purpose, functioning as a venue for public events and theatrical performances while also hosting gladiator battles that captivated the masses.

Presently, the Arena of Nîmes continues to play a central role in the city's cultural life. It hosts two annual bullfights as part of the Feria de Nîmes, attracting enthusiasts and spectators alike. Additionally, the arena serves as a captivating backdrop for various public events, including reenactments of antiquity such as "The Great Roman Games" and concerts. At its entrance, the statue of Christian Montcouquiol, known as Nimeño II, stands proudly, earning it the name "Hero."

Notably, in 1853, an unfortunate incident occurred at the arena when balloonist M. Louis Deschamps tragically lost his life during his 120th flight. Despite adverse weather conditions that had prompted the mayor to cancel a planned parachute performance, the balloon took off as scheduled and encountered the inclement weather. Deschamps was ejected from the basket, and the balloon came down approximately half a mile away from the arena. This incident remains a somber part of the arena's history.