Les Halles de Nîmes

You are at Les Halles de Nîmes, the covered market of the historic centre. It opened in 1884, under Mayor Ali Margarot, with a celebration held on 9 and 10 November. The architects John Monod and Félix Beaujouan had divided it into four pavilions. After the Second World War, the building fell into disrepair: in winter it was as cold inside as outside. It was rebuilt and reopened on 7 May 1973; for two years, the traders had set up in the new underground car park of the Esplanade. In the 1980s, under Mayor Jean Bousquet, the architects Wilmotte and Fontès modernised the whole site and created the Coupole des Halles, the neighbouring shopping centre. Today the market covers 3,500 square metres and is air-conditioned. Stroll between the stalls, look at the local produce and take the time to chat with the traders: this is where you best understand the daily life of the people of Nîmes.

History

Les Halles opened in 1884, under Mayor Ali Margarot, with festivities on 9 and 10 November. After the Second World War, the building deteriorated and had no mains sewerage. It was rebuilt under Mayors Edgar Tailhades and Émile Jourdan and reopened on 7 May 1973. A further modernisation began in 1983, with the creation of the Coupole des Halles, followed by an interior refresh in 2014.

Art and architecture

The original architects, John Monod and Félix Beaujouan, had divided Les Halles into four pavilions. The modernisation of the 1980s was entrusted to the architects Wilmotte and Fontès. The present market, covered and air-conditioned, extends over 3,500 square metres in the heart of the protected historic district.

Anecdotes

During the works that preceded the 1973 reopening, the traders were moved for two years into the brand-new underground car park of the Esplanade. In 2024, Les Halles celebrated their 140th anniversary. Works costing nearly 13 million euros have been announced for the period 2026 to 2031.

What to look for

Take the time to walk along every aisle. Notice the variety of stalls and the local produce on display. Also look at how the market connects with the neighbouring Coupole des Halles, a witness to the modernisation of the 1980s.

Practical

Main entrance at 5 rue des Halles, right in the Écusson. Entry is free. The market operates in the morning: check the opening times on the official website leshallesdenimes.fr before you come. OpenStreetMap indicates wheelchair access.

Nearby

The place de l’Horloge and the cathedral are a few minutes’ walk away. To understand the history of the district, carry on with a visit to the Écusson and its mansions.

Test yourself

Sources

• Objectif Sud: the belly of the city turns 140
• Tourisme Gard: Les Halles de Nîmes

Information checked on 6 October 2026.