Pont du Gard, Southern France
A feat of Roman engineering
The Pont du Gard
And a marvel that this wonderful structure has stood for nearly 2,000 years.
If you find yourself in the South of France, perhaps pottering around Provence, or exploring the underrated Languedoc-Roussillon region, then you really must find time to explore the Pont du Gard.
A view of the Pont du Gard
This superb structure is just 16 miles (25km) west of Avignon, or 14 miles (23km) north east of Nîmes, the town it was built to serve.
It was listed as an <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/344" target="_blank">UNESCO World Heritage</a> site in 1985,
An Ancient olive tree on the approach to Pont du Gard
The walk to the bridge from the entrance & museum transports me back in time through a landscape you feel has not changed a huge amount in that time.
Wander past an ancient olive tree that has seen so much in its lifetime.
A reference guide
If you love Provence as much as we do, you'll want to start planning your visit now. I so enjoy using the DK Eyewitness books, as they are extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Provencal road trip, now you can grab the revised copy.
Useful Information
Entrance fee: (As of 2018)
Discovery Pass (Pont du Gard, Museum, Ciné, Ludo, the Mémoires de Garrigue path, Exhibition)
Adult rate: €8.50
Pass Aqueduct: Discovery Pass + guided tour of the top level of the Aqueduct
Adult rate: €11.50
In the steps of the Romans
You can stroll over the lower level of the bridge, which gives stunning views over the River Gardon, or even venture to the top level of the Aqueduct on a guided tour.
The Gardon river from the Pont du Gard
The aqueduct was built around 40-60AD, bridging the Gardon river, as part of the longer Aqueduct de Nîmes which runs for some 31miles/50km.
It supplied water to the town of Nîmes, known as Nemausus in Roman times, from a spring near Uzès.
On the far side of the bridge the river flows peacefully by in mid October.
From this side you are afforded the best views of the magnificent 3 tiers.
There are hiking trails around the beautiful French landscape or just stroll across the Pont du Gard which is suitable for all fitness levels. the choice is yours.
Across the river of Gardon at the Pont du Gard
An up-close view of the Pont du Gard
Seeing this magnificent structure reminds me of the opening chapter in Pompeii, the fabulous work of faction by Robert Harris. If you haven't read it then perhaps give it a try.
It's all part of the ancient Roman art of moving water, with water you had power. If you like, the oil of its day.
Truly impressive, and a wonder it has stood all this time.
If you'd like to know more about the site, and the events planned don't forget to check out the official Pont du Gard site.
Inspired to visit Pont du Gard?
Avignon makes a great base to explore the region, and there's plenty to see in that wonderful city too.
Why not checkout the latest deals on Booking.Com?
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Comments
amazing bridge #farawayfiles
The Pont du Gard is incredible, if you are in Provence it is a must to see.
Your beautiful photos alone are inspiring me to visit. I love all the Roman sights you can find around Provence. We absolutely loved exploring the ruins in the north of Provence, at Vaison-la-Romaine. #farawayfiles
I’ll pass on your lovely comments about the photos to Gary.
We haven’t visited Vaison-la-Romaine, but it looks wonderful. I think we will definitely be adding it to our list when we are next in the South of France.
Another travel blogger friend recently wrote about this and it seems super interesting! It’s also incredibly photogenic! #FarawayFiles
Yes, it is stunning to see, Gary and I love visiting Roman sights. There are ruins of a Roman town just outside of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, which are also amazing.
Incredible photos that made so many memories of a wonderful day visiting the Pont du Gard come flooding back. Going to dig up my photos now! Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Thanks for the comments, the credit for the photos goes to Gary.
Glad, it brought back so many memories, I love it when you are reminded of a previous visit somewhere and you just can’t stop reminiscing about it.
Lovely photographs! We visited the Pont du Gard on our honeymoon 15 years ago. Such an impressive structure and a well deserved status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those Romans were pretty nifty at building impressive and useful stuff!! #farawayfiles
Thank you for the kind comments.
You’re right it is an amazing structure, it takes your breath away. If your travels ever take you through the southern region of Castile and León in Spain , you should try and visit Segovia, the Roman Aqueduct there is incredible.