Why now?

A new flight plus loads of upcoming arts and music events (see ot-nimes.fr), including Kosh, a beat box gig on March 21 & 22 (Mobile Homme Theatre, 1 rue de la Biche), and Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve, a surreal dance performance on March 14 & 15 (tickets at francebillet.com).

What to see

Explore on foot, but also take a 'history taxi' tour describing Roman and modern Nîmes, in English (0033 466 294 011).

Where to stay

The très jolie Jardins Secrets (+466 848 264, jardinssecrets.net).

Getting there

Flights from East Midlands started last week, (from £10 return inc tax) with Ryanair.com; it also flies from Stansted and Liverpool.

Where to eat

Grab a bite with views on the terrace of the Carré d'Art (+466 645 616, carredart.org), an ultra-modern Norman Foster-designed gallery.