The Pont du Gard is a famous Roman aqueduct 20 kilometres from Nimes, in the Gard department of Languedoc-Roussillon.
The bridge was constructed by the Romans, probably sometime between 19 BC and 50 AD, as part of a grand undertaking to carry water 50 kilometres by aqueduct for across hills and valleys, to Nimes.
Discover the Pont du Gard
France This Way review: as well as being an amazing monument, one of the best known in France, you might not realise that the Pont du Gard is also a wonderful place to go for a day at the river. Below the bridge there are some river beaches and the river is wonderful for swimming at this point.
The aqueduct drops only 17 metres along its entire 50 kilometre length - an amazing feat of engineering.
Silt deposits had rendered the aqueduct unusable by the 9th century, and it had started to fall into ruin, but much of the bridge is still intact today and it is a remarkable site: the Pont du Gard is the highlight of the aqueduct, situated where the aqueduct 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 (which was covered at that time) level through a conduit painted with a waterproofing plaster. Overall the Pont du Gard is 49 metres in height and 275 metres long.
The highlight of your visit is the walk across the bridge to appreciate both the architectural achievement and the great views from the top of the Pont du Gard. There is also a 1.4 kilometre marked trail around the site so you can see the river and bridge from all angles.
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 at the site to help set the bridge in context for visitor. This includes a wide-screen film showing the history of this important monument.
The site around the Pont du Gard is now listed by UNESCO as a France world heritage site, and also classified as one of a few selected 'Grand Sites of France'
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.
There are also opportunities to learn more about the Mediterranean countryside of the region; an 'off the beaten track' trail (paid); and various events - music concerts, light shows etc are held here (mostly during the summer months).
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 you can sit outside in the lovely courtyard and enjoy your meal looking out on to the Pont du Gard. Wonderful.
Attractions near the Pont du Gard
Although the Pont du Gard is the most famous Roman monument in the region there are several others that are also exceptional and date from the same period. In particular you can see the remarkable temple and amphitheatre, and various other Roman structures, in the nearby town of Nimes.
A little further, both Arles and Orange also have important Roman monuments.
You can find more travel ideas in the Gard guide and the Languedoc-Roussillon guide.
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Map of Pont du Gard and places nearby
Visit near Pont du Gard with France This Way reviews
Uzes
The medieval centre of Uzes is interesting to explore, then perhaps visit the extensive caves at nearby La Cocaliere
Uzes guide
Saint-Victor-la-Coste
Saint-Victor-la-Coste in Languedoc-Roussillon has several historic monuments including an ancient castle on the hill behind the village
Saint-Victor-la-Coste guide
Beaucaire
Beaucaire is well situtaed for exploring the popular towns of Arles, Nimes and Avignon
Beaucaire guide
Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres
Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres is a small historic village with several imposing historic monuments in the Gard department
Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres guide
Chateau de Tarascon
The Chateau de Tarascon is an imposing 15th century castle on the banks of the Rhone
Chateau de Tarascon guide
Nimes
Nimes contains some of the most complete ancient Roman monuments to be seen anywhere in France
Nimes guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gard
The French version of this page is at Pont du Gard (Francais)