The "Tour Magne": an unforgettable panorama!

Roman Nîmes and Nîmes today

There is a magnificent panoramic view over Nîmes from the top of this Tower, and the visitor can see the town as it was in the Roman era thanks to a large display board.

An element of the old enclosure

The “Tour Magne”, otherwise known as the “Grande Tour”, is the only tower from the original town built by Augustus to be still standing. It is located on the Mont Cavalier, the town’s highest point. It overlooks the whole plain and is a focal point for all means of communication.
The tower was originally a dry-stone oval tower similar to that of the neighbouring oppidum of Nages, with a maximum height of 18m and already part of a rampart.
By doubling its height and incorporating it into the town walls, Augustus marked the new power of the colony of Nîmes over the “City” (in the territorial sense) of the Volques.

A look-out point over the Voie Domitia

When the town’s population abandoned the higher ground, the “Tour Magne” nevertheless continued to play a military role. It was used in the defence against the English during the Hundred Years’ War.

The “Tour Magne” was part of the ancient ramparts and served as a look-out point over the Via Domitia (which linked Italy with Spain). Indeed, the tower played an essential role in the life of the Roman City.

New historical explanations

In order to provide a full explanation of the importance of this monument and its historical role, banners and cultural information boards have been erected, which focus on the theme of the Via Domitia.