Introducing Nîmes
Plough your way through the bleak, traffic-clogged outskirts of Nîmes to reach its true heart, still beating there where the Romans established their town more than two millennia ago. Here, you’ll find some of France’s best-preserved classical buildings, together with some stunning modern constructions as the city continues its centuries-old rivalry with Montpellier, just down the autoroute.
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The city’s other less obvious claim to fame is sartorial. During the 1849 Californian gold rush, one Levi Strauss was making trousers for miners. Looking for a tough, hardwearing fabric, he began importing the traditionally blue serge de Nîmes, nowadays known as denim.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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What’s in a place name?
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