Pont du Gard

Journey back to the Roman Empire with a visit to the Pont du Gard, an ancient aqueduct bridge that is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved examples of Roman engineering. Located in the South of France, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the first century AD to carry water over 31 miles to the Roman colony of Nemausus (present-day Nîmes).

Standing over 160 feet high, this three-tiered marvel was painstakingly constructed from local limestone without the use of mortar. It's not only a testament to the architectural prowess of the Romans, but also to their understanding of the natural world, as the aqueduct's gradient is so subtle that it drops only 17 m over its entire length.

Take the time to explore the surrounding area, a scenic nature reserve that's ideal for walking, cycling, and picnicking. For a different perspective, consider a canoe trip on the Gardon River below the aqueduct.

The visitor center provides insightful exhibitions about the history and construction of the Pont du Gard, the Roman Empire's presence in the region, and the site's ecological significance.

URL

http://www.pontdugard.fr/en

Estimated Cost

$10

Estimated Time to Visit

2-3 hours