City Centre Nimes, France
Renovated
2006
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage WellnessOutside the door
Cloistered coaching inn
The former coaching inn operates like an intimate private home, gathered around a shaded cloister and firelit salons.
What it’s good at
Notable
An eighteenth-century coaching inn where an ancient courtyard well once watered horses.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
An 18th-century coach-house with just 14 incredible — and surprisingly original — rooms, Jardins Secrets comes loaded with antiques, magnificent pieces arranged by an expert eye in unusual ways, creating a motif of curios rather than stuffiness.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Les Arènes amphitheatre and the Roman temple of Maison Carrée are both a short walk through town.
The rooms
Vintage bathtubs are draped in silk curtains, and brocade canopies hang over beds looking onto the quiet cloister.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor jade-colored pool sits among olive trees, and a heated marble plunge pool rests beneath crystal chandeliers.
The spa
At the table
Breakfast arrives on vintage crockery in the country kitchen, and Bar Napoléon III pours drinks against historic Zuber wallpaper.
How it began
Stylist Annabelle Valentin inherited the property from her grandmother, opening it as a hotel in 2005 alongside her photographer husband.
Nimes
More like this
Margaret - Hôtel Chouleur
“Restored seventeenth-century mansion”
Maison Albar - L'Imperator
“Art Deco garden landmark”
Well Away from Here - Spa B & B - Nîmes
“Modular garrigue lodges”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.