Keeping the charm of the French Rome alive involves nine must-haves: brandade de morue, petits pâtés nîmois, croquants Villaret, sweet fougasse, olives & olive oil, artisanal vinegars, Costières wines, espadrilles from Gard and Provençal fabrics. These specialties, easy to slip into a carry-on bag, can be found around the Arena or in the Halles and guarantee an authentic souvenir for every budget.
Top 9 must-have souvenirs from Nîmes 🏛️
- 🐟 Brandade de Nîmes – creamy cod purée (Maison de la Brandade, 7 rue de la Madeleine).
- 🥟 Petit pâté nîmois – emblematic of La Maison du Petit Pâté de Nîmes, Halles, 5 rue des Halles.
- 🍪 Croquant Villaret – historic biscuit from Maison Villaret, 13 rue de la Madeleine.
- 🍞 Fougasse saint-gilloise – orange blossom brioche (bakeries of Saint-Gilles).
- 🫒 Olives Roger Descours & AOP Nîmes oil – unbeatable value for money.
- 🍷 Wines & vinegars from the Costières – creations of the Vinaigreries de Nîmes.
- 👟 Nîmes Espadrille – sturdy stitching and rope sole, made in Les Angles.
- 🧵 Les Tissus Olivades – timeless Provençal indiennes, perfect as a souvenir tablecloth.
- 🎨 Roman objects signed Muse Atelier or L’Atelier de Jean – unique pieces recalling the Maison Carrée.
Each product is easily available at the Tourist Office shop, 6 bd des Arènes, open 7 days a week.
Gourmet specialties to slip into your suitcase 🍴
Brandade, pâtés & sweet treats
Brandade de Nîmes, created in 1830 by Durand, is sold in jars from 180 g to 500 g: ideal for a quick aperitif at home. The petits pâtés nîmois, golden squares of veal and pork, keep for 4 days in the fridge, practical for the return journey.
- 📍 Maison de la Brandade – 7 rue de la Madeleine (Tue-Sat 9am-1pm / 3:30pm-7pm).
- 📍 Halles de Nîmes – 5 rue des Halles (daily 7am-1pm).
- 📍 Maison Villaret – croquants since 1775, open 7 days a week.
Oil, olives & vinegars
The Gardoise olive groves supply Olives Roger Descours with wild herb aromas. Two streets from the Jardins de la Fontaine, the Vinaigreries de Nîmes offer bottles with fig or thyme flavors.
| Product | Weight/Content | Average price € | Where to find? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandade jar | 200 g | €5.90 | Tourist Office |
| Petit pâté (x6) | 300 g | €9.50 | Halles |
| Croquants Villaret | 250 g | €4.80 | Maison Villaret |
| AOP Nîmes oil | 75 cl | €14.00 | Olives Roger Descours |
| Fig vinegar | 25 cl | €6.90 | Vinaigreries |
Tip: to compare other terroirs, check out the specialties from La Rochelle or the gourmet addresses of Toulouse.
Craft, fashion & design made in Gard 🧵
Fabrics, espadrilles and Roman creations
What could be more evocative than a table runner signed Les Tissus Olivades? Since 1818, the company has printed its indiennes at the foot of the Alpilles and then sold them at 2 place de l’Horloge.
- 👗 Muse Atelier – jewelry inspired by the Maison Carrée, 4 rue des Marchands.
- 👡 Nîmes Espadrille – artisanal stitching based in Les Angles, showroom at 12 rue Victor-Hugo.
- 🔨 L’Atelier de Jean – reproduction of Gallo-Roman objects, 18 rue des Flâneries.
Why are these products popular?
Denim fabric, born here in the 18th century, still influences the local design scene. In 2025, several creators recycle jean scraps into bags: an ethical approach that appeals to Generation Z.
- ♻️ Upcycled fabric = reduced CO₂ impact.
- 👟 Local espadrille = support for family workshops.
- 🎁 Roman piece = educational gift for children passionate about history.
Interesting comparison: craft lovers will also appreciate the addresses in La Rochelle or the Sardinian creations listed here.
Key addresses to buy your gifts 🎁
Historic center, Halles, esplanade des Arènes: three areas are enough to fill a souvenir bag. The Tourist Office ticket desk (info here) combines visits and shopping.
| Shop | Address | Specialty | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Office | 6 bd des Arènes | Mixed basket | 9am-7pm |
| Maison Villaret | 13 rue de la Madeleine | Croquants | 7am-7:30pm |
| La Maison du Petit Pâté | Halles, 5 rue des Halles | Pâtés | 7am-1pm |
| Muse Atelier | 4 rue des Marchands | Roman objects | 10am-7pm |
| Les Vinaigreries | 24 rue d’Aigrefeuille | Vinegars | 9am-6pm |
- 🚶♂️ Everything can be visited on foot within 15 minutes.
- 🛍️ Consider insulated packaging (€2) for gardiane in jars.
- 📱 Promo alerts are shared on nimes.work.
To widen your shopping tour, explore the 123 Souvenir guides for Montpellier or Avignon.
Frequently asked questions about Nîmes souvenirs ❓
How long does Brandade de Nîmes keep?
Between 8 and 10 days in the fridge; frozen, it lasts 6 months without losing its creaminess.
Can gardiane de taureau be transported by plane?
Yes, if packed in a hermetic jar of under 100 ml in the cabin; for family-sized jars, prefer checked luggage.
Where to find original products outside the city center?
The village of Les Angles houses a Nîmes Espadrille showroom and a small Les Tissus Olivades shop with workshop prices.
What souvenir costs less than €5?
A 100 g bag of Croquants Villaret or a small bottle of thyme vinegar from the Vinaigreries.
Are there ready-to-gift boxes?
Yes, the La Nîmoise shop assembles brandade, olives and red wine for €29, ideal as a corporate gift.
