France Guide
Languedoc
The Carrée d'Art
Opening time: Daily 10am–6pm; Nov– May closed Mon
Price: €5.10
Address: On the west side of place de la Maison Carrée
The Carrée d'Art, by British architect Norman Foster is a gleaming example of French architectural boldness. In spite of its size, this box of glass, aluminium and concrete sits modestly among the ancient roofs of Nîmes, its slender portico echoing that of the Roman temple opposite. Light pours in through the walls and roof, giving it a grace and weightlessness that makes it not in the least incongruous. Housed within the Carrée d'Art is the excellent Musée d'Art Contemporain , containing an impressive collection of French and Western European art from the last four decades. There's a roof-terrace café at the top, overlooking the Maison Carrée.