The Pont du Gard
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
at the Pont du Gard ?
The Pont du Gard is a Roman monument dating back to the 1st century. As an aqueduct, it supplied Nîmes with water for 500 years. This structure includes an overhanging road connecting Nîmes to Uzès. An exceptional piece of French heritage, just a few minutes from your campsite in the Gard, it is a must-see in the Gorges du Gardon.
The history
of the Pont du Gard
Built in the 1st century during Roman times, this 50-meter-high, three-story monument with multiple arches is the tallest and oldest aqueduct bridge in the world. Its construction required great skill, with a length of 52 kilometers and a slight slope to reach Nîmes.
35,000 cubic meters of water were transported by the aqueduct from Uzès to supply the town’s population and infrastructure with drinking water. Regularly restored and preserved since the 16th century, it is an important heritage monument that deserves to be showcased.
It was recognized as a historic monument in 1840, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, and was awarded the Grand Site de France label in 2004.
Today, the Pont du Gard can only be visited on foot. It is the only bridge from Antiquity still standing upright. The Pont du Gard has inspired many writers, from Rabelais to Stendhal and Mérimée, who have described the unique majesty of this aqueduct and its arches.
The first level of the bridge was joined to the rest of the structure in 1747 by engineer Henri Pitot, renowned for having created the Montpellier aqueduct. The Pitot Bridge features numerous engravings: from the 17th to the late 20th century, journeymen traveling around France traditionally came here to leave their mark.
What to see and do at the Pont du Gard?
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MUSEUM TOUR
Right next to the Pont du Gard, discover a museum space, the largest interpretation center in France dedicated to Roman engineering. With models and other reproductions, virtual tours, sound environments, and audiovisual discoveries, explore a museum with a fascinating and proactive universe.
Exhibition « Memories of garrigue »
This open-air trail highlights the richness of the Mediterranean environment and traces 1.4 km of human activities that have shaped the landscape over two millennia.
Play area for children
Il est dédié aux 5-12 ans pour découvrir de manière pédagogique l’époque antique et la construction d’aqueduc, avec des animations et ateliers diversifiés.
Bike rides
Take the greenway from Uzès or Beaucaire and cycle to the Pont du Gard.
Swimming sessions
The Gardon River is the ideal place to cool off in summer while swimming in an extraordinary environment.
Canoe and kayak trips
A way to explore the Gardon Gorges under the bridge with various marked trails around the monument.
Via ferrata
An activity combining climbing and hiking, the Gardon Gorges are an exceptional place to enjoy these pursuits while admiring the splendid scenery.
Caving
Whether you’re looking for an introduction, a relaxing session, or something more athletic, the area around the Pont du Gard is also the ideal playground, with numerous caves.
