Sports and the Outdoors

The corrida is a quintessential Nîmes experience, taking place as it does in the ancient Roman Arena. There are usually three bullfighting times a year, always during the carnival-like citywide férias: in early spring (mid-February), at Pentecost (end of May), and during the wine harvest (end of September). These include parades, a running of the bulls, and gentle Camargue-style bullfights (where competitors pluck a ring from the bull's horns). But the focal point, unfortunately, is a twice-daily Spanish-style bullfight, complete with l'estocade (the final killing) and the traditional cutting of the ear. Those with delicate nerves will stay away.

Aquatropic. An indoor and an outdoor pool, wave machines, slides, water cannons, and whirlpools add to the fun for kids and adults. Because it's south of the city, it's best to exit the autoroute at Nîmes Ouest. 39 chemin de la Hostellerie, Nîmes, Occitania, 30900. 04–66–38–31–00; www.aquatropic-equalia.fr. €5.50.