Mont Duplan

Here you are in the Mont Duplan garden, on one of the hills of Nîmes. The garden covers about 3 hectares and offers a panoramic view over the city and its surroundings. Viewpoints have been laid out to enjoy the landscape, especially at sunset, when the light turns the rooftops golden. The hill bears the name of Jean Duplan, mayor of Nîmes from 1857 to 1861. A silk merchant, he belonged to the business bourgeoisie of an era when textiles made the city’s fortune. Between 1856 and 1860, he had this hill, then called the Puech des Juifs, transformed into a pleasant public space. The same mayor saved Place d’Assas from being sold, launched the rebuilding of the church of Saint-Baudile and had the amphitheatre and the Tour Magne restored. He died in office on 22 January 1861. Today, the vegetation is Mediterranean: olive trees, cypresses and seasonal flower beds. The garden has a children’s play area and shady benches, and the Nîmes planetarium stands on the heights of Mont Duplan. From the viewpoints, look for the monuments you have already visited.

History

Jean Duplan (1812 to 1861), born in Bernis, a silk merchant, became mayor of Nîmes in 1857. Between 1856 and 1860, the hill known as the Puech des Juifs was transformed into a pleasant public space, and it now bears his name.

His term of office was marked by other projects: saving Place d’Assas, rebuilding the church of Saint-Baudile, launched in 1860, widening the streets near the Maison Carrée, and restoring the amphitheatre and the Tour Magne. He died in office on 22 January 1861.

Art and architecture

The present garden, of about 3 hectares, relies on Mediterranean vegetation: olive trees, cypresses and seasonal flower beds. The city maintains it with careful use of water and plant protection products.

Anecdotes

Mont Duplan is one of what are called the "seven hills" of Nîmes. The city’s planetarium stands on its heights.

What to look for

Climb up to the viewpoints and look for the city’s great landmarks. Sunset is the time the city recommends for the view.

Practical

The garden has children’s play areas and shady benches. The city states that access for people with reduced mobility is not currently possible. The climb is on foot from the centre.

Nearby

The Nîmes planetarium is on the hill. Heading back down to the centre, you reach the Écusson and the church of Saint-Baudile, rebuilt on the initiative of Jean Duplan.

Test yourself

Sources

• Wikipedia: Jean Duplan
• City of Nîmes: Mont Duplan
• City of Nîmes: Nîmes Planetarium
• OpenStreetMap (Nominatim)

Information checked on 6 October 2026.