Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nîmes is a city in the south of France known for its well-preserved Roman architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; banking services include BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues with various prepaid options available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options are Revolut and Wise, along with local banks. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and extended stay hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted in stores and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate agencies provide several options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Citéa Nîmes offers budget options starting around €25 a night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The historic center, close to attractions like the Roman Arena and Maison Carrée. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas around La Placette, which offer cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Nîmes, a modern facility with high-speed internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee House Nîmes, offering free Wi-Fi and a comfortable work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Nîmes International Meetup is a great community for expats and nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Nîmes Facebook Group organizes regular meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available in Nîmes, as well as local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Vélo Nîmes offers bike rentals at affordable daily rates. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is at Grau-du-Roi, about a 30-minute drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France operates flights from nearby Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and easyJet serve several international destinations from Nîmes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A9 motorway provides excellent connections to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nîmes railway station is the main hub connecting to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for local buses start at around €30. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Regional trains connect Nîmes to Montpellier, Avignon, and Marseille. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Nîmes is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | L'Atelier de Yoga offers various yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit Nîmes provides affordable gym access with various fitness programs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie Automatique Nîmes offers self-service laundry facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and Just Eat are popular food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the brandade de morue, a traditional cod dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Le Petit Bistron offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Pâtisserie de l'Opéra is known for its exquisite pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Les Halles de Nîmes is a great market for budget-friendly local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.fr and local sites like CDiscount serve regional shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | French grocery chains like Intermarché offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rue de l'Horloge is the main nightlife district with several bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie du Mont Ventoux offers local beer tastings and tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Caveau des Arceaux is a well-known wine bar featuring local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors can be found around the city center, especially during markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Le Bistronome offer a mix of French and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Roman Arena, Maison Carrée, and Jardins de la Fontaine are top attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Musée de la Romanité showcases the history of Roman Nîmes. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Pont du Gard aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathédrale Notre-Dame et Saint-Castor is a significant landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Feria de Nîmes festival draws crowds with bullfighting and local festivities each May. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic center features many cultural sites, cafes, and shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | La Comédie offers various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The weekly Les Halles market features local produce and artisanal products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Nîmes has a vibrant music scene, hosting festivals and concerts in the summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the eclectic street art scattered around the older parts of the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Courses are available at Les Petits Plats de Nîmes for French cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie de l'Esplanade shows contemporary art and local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palais de Justice showcases stunning architecture from the 19th century. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Nîmes is often called the 'Rome of France' due to its rich Roman heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Camargue Natural Regional Park offers stunning landscapes and wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cevennes National Park is about an hour's drive from Nîmes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Via Rhôna is a scenic cycling and walking route nearby. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Enjoy panoramic views from the hills at Mont Aigoual. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Camargue region is famous for birdwatching, especially Flamencos. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas in regional parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and La Poste provide local and international shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | SAV Nîmes offers various electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Le Palais des Sports has public table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Alliance Française Nîmes offers French language courses for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Médiathèque de Nîmes is a great place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | La Maison des Associations hosts a variety of community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Nîmes Esports Lounge provides gaming opportunities and events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Nîmes offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €84,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €66,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €176,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard VAT rate in France is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on rental value assessable by local authorities. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 7% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | France offers various deductions and allowances for remote workers, particularly in specific zones. |