Pont du Gard – Gard : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Are you looking for a unique place to explore and experience in Gard? The Pont du Gard is an outstanding monument that attracts many visitors every year. Located in the French department of Gard, this remarkable Roman aqueduct was built over 2000 years ago as a bridge over the Gardon River. As one of the best-preserved monuments of its era, it has become a highly valued structure appreciated for its engineering and historic significance.

In this blog, you will find all the interesting facts, information and travel guides related to the Pont du Gard. Learn all about its history, why it was built, how it works, the unique architecture of this bridge-aqueduct, the events in and around the bridge, and interesting activities in the area. Whether you’re planning to visit or just curious about the Pont du Gard, this blog is here to help you learn more about this incredible structure that shows the influence of the ancient Roman culture.

Interesting Facts About Pont du Gard – Gard

Bridge

1. The Pont du Gard is a Roman Aqueduct that is located in the southern French region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

2. It carries the waters of the Gardon River across the Gardon Valley, and is often marked as the highest bridge of its kind.

3. It is constructed from three tiers of limestone arches, reaching a height of nearly 50 meters.

4. The total length of the bridge is 275 meters, with each of the three tiers having a different number of arches; the largest tier has 35, the middle tier has 11, and the lowest tier has 27.

5. The Pont du Gard was built around the year 19 BC by the Roman occupiers of Gaul and was likely an engineering feat among the most advanced of its time.

6. It was declared a World Heritage site in 1985 and is one of the most remarkable pieces of Roman architecture still standing today.

7. The engineering prowess of the ancient Romans is evident in the Aqueduct’s construction, as the tiers of arches are tapered so as to evenly distribute the water’s weight across them.

8. The bridge’s stone blocks are perfectly positioned and often fit so precisely that mortar was not needed to hold them in place.

9. As well as the impressive engineering of the Aqueduct, the Pont du Gard is renowned for its beauty. Each stone is ornately crafted and the arches form a stunning silhouette against the sky.

10. Every year, the Aqueduct hosts regular festivities including an annual summer light show featuring spectacular illuminations.

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History & Information About Pont du Gard – Gard

The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct bridge in the Gard Department, France that was built by the Romans during the first century. It is one of the most well-known Roman monuments in France, used as a river crossing. It is a three tier bridge with the third level remaining largely intact, measuring almost 50 m tall. Historically, the Pont du Gard served as a bridge and aqueduct that provided water to the city of Nimes, with the water arriving from the nearby hilltop source of Eure. The Pont du Gard was added to the UNESCO world heritage site list in 1985 due to its exceptional testimony to the ingenuity and engineering skills of its architects. Today, it serves as a popular tourist destination in the region.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Pont du Gard – Gard

Pont du Gard is an aqueduct bridge that was built by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. in what is now the south-central region of France. The bridge was designed to transport water between the city of Nemausus and the aqueduct system of Nemausus. The three-tiered, 169-meter long bridge is widely considered to be one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world and is an important visitor attraction in the area.

Getting There:

The nearest major airport to Pont du Gard is the Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport, which is located about 20km away. It is serviced by national and international flights and provides car hire services. From the airport, it is a 24-minute drive to reach Pont du Gard. Alternately, you can take a train from Nîmes to Remoulins – Gare (8km away from Pont du Gard) and then take a taxi or bus to the bridge.

Accommodation:

There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Pont du Gard. From cosy independent villas to luxurious 5-star hotels, you will find something to suit your budget and tastes. Nearby Pont du Gard, there is a camping site (Camping Les Cèdres) with basic chalets and tents, a great option for travelers on a budget.

Things to See & Do:

Of course, a visit to Pont du Gard is a must-do! The bridge is free to visit and is easily accessible by road or by boat. If you’re visiting the bridge during the warm summer months, take a boat ride on the river below it and enjoy the beautiful view. Other nearby attractions are the Haribo Museum, the Maison Carrée, the Carrières de Paris (a limestone quarry), and the ancient bull-fighting ring in Arènes de Nîmes.

Food & Drink:

The local Gastronomie offers a variety of flavors, as you would expect from the south of France. Some specialties include the mediterranean zucchini salad, brandade de morue (salt cod with potato puree), ratatouille, and tapenade (a spread made from olives, anchovies, and capers). For drinks, try the local wines from the Côtes du Rhône-Villages region.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pont du Gard – Gard

Q: What is the Pont du Gard?
A: The Pont du Gard is an iconic Roman aqueduct bridge that crosses the Gardon River in southern France. Built by the Romans in the 1st century AD, it is an amazing feat of engineering and one of the most iconic landmarks in the region.

Q: How long is the Pont du Gard?
A: The Pont du Gard spans a total of 275 meters, making it one of the longest bridges of its kind.

Q: What is the significance of the Pont du Gard?
A: The Pont du Gard is a testament to Roman engineering and is considered to be one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is considered to be an important part of France’s cultural heritage.

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