Garons Airport

Nîmes-Garons Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true "pocket" gateway to sunny Provence and the wild, mysterious Camargue. Unlike the noisy and crowded hubs of neighbouring metropolises, this airport offers travellers an atmosphere of calm and comfort, where very little time passes between leaving the aircraft and stepping out into the city. Located amidst vineyards and garrigues, it sets a relaxed rhythm of the south of France from the very first minutes, becoming the perfect start for a journey to ancient Roman arenas and Mediterranean beaches.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Garons Airport is its compactness and speed of service. Thanks to the small size of the single terminal, passengers are spared long walks and tiring queues, allowing all formalities, from check-in to boarding, to be completed in record time. This is especially appreciated by families with children and those who prefer to spend time relaxing rather than waiting in departure halls.

The airport boasts a strategically advantageous location. It is situated in immediate proximity to the A54 motorway, making it a convenient arrival point not only for visiting Nîmes but also for trips to Arles, Avignon, or the Camargue Natural Park. For the convenience of passengers without a car, a special transfer service is organised, synchronised with flight schedules, delivering travellers directly to the Nîmes railway station.

A unique feature of the airport is its status as a base for the French Civil Defence (Sécurité Civile). The famous Canadair and Dash firefighting planes, which protect the forests of the south from fires, are based here. Travellers can often observe these striking yellow and red machines on the runway, which have become a symbol of safety in the region.

Below you will find contact information for Nîmes-Garons Airport (FNI), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any questions that may arise.

• Official Website: www.aeroport-nimes.fr. Here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +33 (0)4 66 70 49 49. You can obtain general information about airport operations at this number.
• Address: Aéroport de Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes, 30800 Saint-Gilles, France.
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the official airport website in the "Contacts" section.
• Social Media: The airport maintains pages on social networks. Links to official accounts can be found on their website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline or its representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and passenger assistance, please use the main information desk phone number.

Reaching Garons Airport (Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes), serving the city of Nîmes, can be done in several convenient ways. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The airport is located approximately 12 kilometres southeast of the city centre, making the journey there quick and simple.

Public Transport: Shuttle Bus
The most economical way to get to the airport is to use the dedicated shuttle bus (navette aéroport). It runs between the airport and the city's main transport hub — the Gare de Nîmes train station. The shuttle schedule is usually coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. The journey takes about 25-30 minutes. This is an ideal option for budget travellers, as the ticket price is generally low. It is recommended to check the current schedule in advance on the website of the transport company Tango, which operates the route.

Taxi and Transfer
For maximum comfort and speed, you can choose a taxi. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrivals terminal exit. The trip to the centre of Nîmes will take about 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus and may vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer — this allows you to fix the price and be sure that a driver will meet you at the required time.

Car Rental and Parking
If you plan to travel around the Provence region and other parts of southern France, renting a car is an excellent solution. Offices of several major rental companies are represented at Garons Airport. The drive is simple and convenient thanks to good signage. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, parking facilities are provided. There are both short-term and long-term options. To get a better rate for long-term parking, it is recommended to book a parking space online in advance.

Garons Airport (FNI), serving the city of Nîmes and its surroundings in the south of France, is distinguished by a simple and very passenger-friendly structure. It is a small regional airport, so navigating it is easy even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport operates with just one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights. The compact building unites all necessary zones under one roof: departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, passengers do not need to worry about transfers between terminals — everything is within walking distance.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters and car rental desks are located. After checking in, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, beyond which lies a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrivals area is located in the same part of the building and includes the baggage claim belt and customs control.

Due to the modest size of the airport, the time required to go through all procedures is minimal. Flight check-in and security screening rarely take much time. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to calmly drop off luggage and complete all formalities. For navigation, simply follow the few but clear signs, making your stay at Garons Airport as comfortable and carefree as possible.

The history of Nîmes-Garons Airport, officially known as Nîmes–Alès–Camargue–Cévennes Airport, is closely linked to the military aviation of France. Its roots go back to the 1930s, when the Garons airbase was founded. For decades, it served as an important facility for the French Navy (Marine Nationale), and its military past still defines part of its identity.

The transition to civilian use began in the second half of the 20th century when the need arose for an air gateway to serve the city of Nîmes and adjacent tourist regions such as the Camargue and Cévennes. Civilian infrastructure gradually developed, and the airport began receiving commercial flights. A significant milestone was the construction and subsequent modernisation of the passenger terminal, particularly in the early 2000s. This allowed for the attraction of budget airlines, which significantly increased passenger traffic and connected Nîmes with many European cities.

One of the most interesting features of the airport is its dual purpose. Alongside serving passenger flights, it remains an active naval aviation base. Furthermore, a unit of the French Civil Defence (Sécurité Civile) is based here, operating the famous amphibious aircraft used for fighting forest fires. In summer, these bright red and yellow planes are a familiar part of the landscape and play a vital role in protecting the south of France from fire.

Today, Garons Airport is a modern regional hub that successfully combines its rich military history with the needs of tourists. It serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the Roman heritage of Nîmes, the picturesque landscapes of Provence, and the unique nature of the Camargue National Park, clearly demonstrating how a historical site can adapt to the challenges of modern times.

Nîmes-Garons Airport (FNI) offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack at the café, which serves light bites, sandwiches, and beverages. There is also a Duty Free shop in the terminal where you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs to take home a piece of Provence — one of the most picturesque regions of France.

Throughout the airport, free Wi-Fi is available for passengers, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for boarding. Special stands and power outlets are provided for charging electronic devices. Although there are no separate VIP lounges at Nîmes-Garons Airport, the general waiting areas are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay.

For your convenience, an ATM is installed in the terminal where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange bureaus may be absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city in advance. In case of necessity, passengers can seek first aid from airport personnel.

The airport takes care of its youngest travellers: baby changing tables are available in the restrooms. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance, including accompaniment during boarding, disembarking, and moving through the terminal. It is recommended to book this service in advance through your airline, at least 48 hours before departure.

There are no hotels or business centres within the airport itself. However, hotels of various categories are located just a few minutes' drive away, many of which offer transfers for their guests. Conference room rental services can be found in nearby hotels or business centres in the city of Nîmes.

Nîmes-Garons Airport (FNI) is a compact regional airport, so dining options here are primarily designed for those who need a quick and convenient snack. Do not expect the same variety of cafés and restaurants here as in large international hubs.

The main place to eat is L'Aéro-Bar café, located in the main hall of the terminal, in the public area before security control (landside). This is the only establishment in the airport offering food and beverages. Here you can order coffee, tea, juices, pastries, croissants, sandwiches, and pre-packaged salads. Its opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule: the café opens two hours before the first flight and closes after the last departure.

For a quick snack, sandwiches or fresh pastries are perfect. If you are hoping for a more substantial meal, your choice will be limited to the offers of the same café, for example, a salad or a hearty sandwich. Sometimes the assortment includes products reflecting the flavour of southern France, such as sandwiches with local cheese. Prices here are typical for airports — average or slightly higher than in the city.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (such as Halal, vegetarian, or gluten-free) may find it difficult to find suitable options due to the limited selection. Therefore, the best solution would be to bring food with you. It is important to remember that after passing security control (airside), there are no other establishments. So, if you plan to have a snack, do so before screening. For a more substantial and varied lunch, we recommend visiting one of the restaurants in Nîmes before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Garons Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, make use of these tips. Whether you plan to explore charming Nîmes or are heading to other corners of southern France, proper preparation will help avoid stress and save time.

Arrival time at the airport: Although Garons is a relatively small airport, arrive early. It is recommended to arrive 2 hours before domestic or Schengen flights and 3 hours before international ones. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and security control without rushing.

Check-in and Security: To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. At the airport, you will only need to drop off your luggage if you have any. When passing through security, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronic devices, as well as your bag of liquids, from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection: If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. Window seats (A, F) offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, especially over the picturesque Occitanie region. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight or want to exit faster after landing.

Hand Luggage: Remember the rules for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin. We recommend bringing an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage in Nîmes. Leave enough time between flights, especially if you have to go through passport control when transferring from a non-Schengen flight to a Schengen one.

Customs Control: For passengers arriving from countries outside the EU, there are "green" (if nothing to declare) and "red" (if there are goods to declare) channels. For travellers within the Schengen area, customs control is usually absent.

What to do in case of flight delay: In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. Monitor updates on the departure boards. Depending on the length of the delay, under EU regulations, you may be entitled to refreshments, meals, and even hotel accommodation.