Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard is 20 kilometres from Nimes, in the Gard department of Languedoc-Roussillon.
Pont du Gard was constructed by the Romans, probably sometime between 19 BC and 50 AD, as part of a grand undertaking to carry water by aqueduct for 50 kilometres across hills and valleys, to Nimes. The aqueduct drops only 17 metres along its entire length - an amazing feat of engineering.
Silt deposits rendered the aqueduct unusable by the 9th century, and the bridge started to fall into ruin, but much of it is still intact.
The Pont du Gard is the highlight of the aqueduct, as it crosses the Gardon River. The bridge has three levels of arches, progressively narrower at each level, with the water originally being carried at the top, covered, level, through a conduit painted with a waterproofing plaster. It is 49 metres in height and 275 metres long.
In recent years, a lot of work has been done to control traffic in the vicinity of the bridge, and there is now a museum to help set the bridge in context for visitors; a wide-screen film showing the history of this important monument; and a 1.4km marked trail around the site.
There are also opportunities to learn more about the Mediterranean countryside of the region; and 'off the beaten track' trail (paid); and various events - music concerts, light shows etc are held here (mostly during the summer months).
The site is now listed by UNESCO as a France world heritage site by UNESCO, and also classified as one of a few selected 'Grand Sites of France'
As well as being an amazing monument, one of France’s best known, it is a wonderful place to head to for a day at the river. Below the bridge are some river beaches and the river is wonderful for swimming at this point. Where better for a picnic, sun bathe and swimming than below this lovely bridge.
There is loads of parking on both the Rive Gauche and the Rive Droit of the river - just follow the signs. We headed for the beach on the Rive Gauche where access to the river is easy and they have even built some wooden platforms where you can lay your towels and sunbathe. Take a walk from here across the bridge to appreciate the great views from the bridge itself.
If you forgot your picnic don’t worry there is a great restaurant on the Rive Droit. The food is good, not cheap but good value nonetheless. The building is lovely and sat outside in the lovely courtyard you can eat looking out on to the Pont du Gard. Wonderful.
Visit Pont du Gard (Languedoc-Roussillon, Gard) travel, gites and hotels
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Tourist Classifications for Pont du Gard
- Listed UNESCO World Heritage Site
Places to visit near Pont du Gard, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Pont du Gard.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
19 km: Beaucaire (Town of art and history) 31 km: Fontvieille (Small Provence town) 27 km: La Roque-sur-Ceze (Most beautiful village) 23 km: Nimes (Important city, Roman ruins) 25 km: Nimes airport (airport) 21 km: Tarascon (Town and castle) 15 km: Uzes (Important town)
See also Pont du Gard (version Francais)
