Nîmes Urban Trail 2026

Welcome to Nîmes (or Nemausus, as the Romans would say 🤓) and step into the arena with this Urban Trail, also known as the « NUT »! 🏟️ The capital of the Gard department in Occitanie, offers you 5 distances for an extraordinary guided tour of this famous Gallo-Roman city 🏛️: a 9 km hike and four trails of 9 km with 320 m of elevation gain, 15 km with 480 m of elevation gain, 24 km with 650 m of elevation gain, and 42 km with 1100 m of elevation gain, all taking place on a February day ❄️. Inspired by the pioneering Lyon Urban Trail, this 9th edition in the south 😎 offers its own way to explore the city and its hidden gems 🤩.

Nîmes' Roman heritage dates back to the 2nd century BC when the Romans conquered southern Gaul and created Nîmes, which was initially one of the largest colonies and served as a fortified town ⚔️. The city was built like Roman towns: two intersecting roads at the center where the forum was located 📍. Let's put away the history books 📚 and lace up those running shoes 👟, but we can all agree the city's origins are fascinating! 👀 The start and finish are at the fabulous Nîmes arenas 😍 which, as in the past, host internationally renowned events 🌎, such as concerts (David Guetta, Daft Punk 🪩, and more), sporting events (notably handball in an electrifying atmosphere!) and charitable events like the Téléthon 🎗️ in 2008! 🎭

Throughout your run, you'll dive into the heritage of Ancient Rome 🏛️ with passages through some of the city's best spots: the Maison Carrée which is nearly 2,000 years old 🤯! You'll also see La Tour Magne, a Gallo-Roman structure overlooking Les Jardins de la Fontaine 🌻... But hurry up, there's more distance to cover! 😂 The route will also take you to the cadereaux of Nîmes, these small dry streams that drain water from the scrubs. You'll face some climbs with the city's staircases, cobbled streets, and the infamous «montée du Tire-Cul» 🤭: part of the race where you'll most likely receive the loudest cheers as the majority of spectators gather there like Tour de France supporters 🚴. So, like Thibaut Pinot, conquer the 18% incline under the applause of the costumed locals 🦸‍♀️. A bit of nature will brighten your path with the Bois des Espeisses 🌳, the hills ⛰️, and La Grotte des Fées 🧚‍♂️ on the longer distances.

The NUT is not just a city tour! It's also a sharing moment where the party 🎉 is part of the experience. Even the locals will be surprised to discover unexpected places and others transformed for the occasion! Just think of the underground cadereaux turned into a giant nightclub! 🕺🏻 You got it. More than a race, the Nîmes Urban Trail is an experience to be fully embraced. You won't notice the miles flying by, and at the end, you might just crave more 😜. Did you enjoy the festive atmosphere of this trail? 😏 Then feel free to come back in June for the famous Feria and other bodegas. If you can't wait, the Gard is well worth a visit, especially if you love Roman heritage with the renowned bridge 🌉 or nature with the Gorges du Verdon 🌟. As for gastronomy 🍴, you can indulge in delights like brandade de morue 🐟 and tapenade. 😋 Bold flavors, respect for ingredients, and lightness are key in Southern cuisine ☀️. Musicians 🎷, volunteers, and locals will greet you in a festive atmosphere 🥳, showcasing a rich and splendid heritage.

So, stop sulking (as a true Nîmes local would say) and come enjoy yourself in the land of cicadas! At the end, you can tell us that YOU LOOOVE THE NUTELLA!