The Pont du Gard Museum
The museum on the left bank explains with models and reconstructions how the Romans planned, built the aqueduct and channeled water to Nîmes. Entry is included in the site ticket.
France
Pont du Gard
Point of InterestCulture
The Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.
by Felix Gillen
The Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. The approximately 49-meter-high bridge spans the Gardon and was part of a roughly 50-kilometer-long aqueduct system that brought spring water from Uzès to Nîmes in the 1st century AD. You can admire the three superimposed rows of arches up close and cross the river via the lower level. A museum and visitor center explain its construction and history. In the late afternoon, the light is warm and the crowds are smaller. In summer, you can swim in the Gardon below the bridge; a walk along the banks offers additional perspectives.
Places of Interest
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Pont du Gard
The three-story bridge spans the Gardon, forming part of a 50-kilometre Roman aqueduct from Uzès to Nîmes. Dating from the 1st century, it is almost 50 meters high and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985. On the lower level, you're able to cross the river.
Memories of Garrigue
The circular path on the right bank leads through the typical Garrigue landscape with olive trees, dry stone walls, and remains of the old aqueduct. Along the way, panels show how people have managed the land here for centuries.
The Rocher Perrotte is a rock formation in the Garrigue landscape near Remoulins, a few kilometers south of the Pont du Gard. The spot is ideal for a short detour into the hills around the Gardon Valley. Our tip: Bring sturdy shoes and water; in summer, paths in the Garrigue may be closed due to wildfire risk.
Right by the Pont du Gard lies the **Grotte de la Salpêtrière**, a prehistoric rock shelter, known here as the Abri de l'âge du Renne. Long before the Romans, hunter-gatherers camped here to hunt and fish in the Gardon Valley; the oldest traces date back approximately 30,000 years. Excavations unearthed stone tools and bone remains. *Our Tip:* Information boards on the site explain the finds, and the detour can easily be combined with a walk along the riverbank.
The Manade Jordan Carreton is a breeding farm for Camargue bulls and horses near the Pont du Gard. The animals are kept, among other things, for the Course camarguaise, a bloodless bull game where the Raseteurs retrieve rosettes from the bull's horns. Mounted Gardians lead the herds. Our Tip: Visits and demonstrations are only by appointment; it's best to inquire directly with the Manade.
City walks in Pont du Gard
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Roman Masterpiece & Garrigue: A Walk at the Pont du Gard
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Pont du Gard on a walk of around two hours. Immerse yourself in the impressive history of this Roman aqueduct, enjoy breathtaking views of the Gardon and explore the Mediterranean landscape of the garrigue. A perfect mix of culture, nature and Roman engineering.
Stops (7)
Food and Drink
Raffinierte regionale Klassiker und Cocktails an sonnengeschützten Gartentischen gegenüber dem Aquädukt Pont du Gard.
Gehobener Gasthof aus dem 17. Jh. mit Außenpool und einem gehobenen Restaurant.
Food & Drink
Only the visitor centre is at the structure itself. Dining options are found in the surrounding villages, where the Gard's cuisine features olive oil, bull meat, and herbs.
Olive oil from the Gard
Around Uzès and Nîmes are mills with protected origin status. Many offer tastings and direct sales.
Brandade de Nîmes
A salt cod puree with olive oil and milk, typical for the region. It is eaten lukewarm with bread.
Côtes du Rhône Wines
To the north, the southern Rhône appellations begin with robust red wines from Grenache and Syrah, plus the Tavel rosé.
Riverside Picnic
The banks of the Gardon are well suited for a rest. The markets in Remoulins and Uzès supply the provisions. In summer, wildfire risk and a smoking ban apply.
Roman Architecture and Cultural Heritage
The Pont du Gard is a monumental Roman aqueduct and an outstanding testament to ancient engineering. It was constructed in the 1st century AD as part of an approximately 50-kilometer-long canal that supplied the city of Nîmes with water from the Fontaine d'Eure near Uzès. Over its entire length, the gradient is only just over twelve meters.The three-story structure consists of large limestone blocks, which were laid in the lower archways without mortar. After its function as an aqueduct ceased, the bridge served as a toll bridge across the Gardon during the Middle Ages, which contributed to its preservation. In the 18th century, a road bridge was built alongside the lower level, which you can walk across today.Since 1985, the Pont du Gard has been a UNESCO World Heritage site. It illustrates the profound influence of the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis on Southern France, with its traces still visible today in Nîmes, Arles, and Orange.
On-site exploring
The Pont du Gard is located between Nîmes, Avignon, and Uzès. Regional buses from Nîmes and Avignon stop at the visitor center, though most visitors arrive by car or bike.Large car parks are situated on both the left and right banks; check current parking and entry fees in advance.The area is easily explored on foot; you can cross between the banks via the lower bridge level.Check bus timetables beforehand, as connections are infrequent, especially on weekends and off-season.
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