Pont du Gard

On a site of 165 hectares, this World Heritage Site is the highest aqueduct from the Roman Empire. Constructed nearly 2000 years ago, mor than a million visitors come from around the world to admire this marvel from antiquity - 50m high and 275m long. Pont du Gard's stone blocks, some of which weigh up to 6 tons, were precisely cut, fitting together by friction alone and eliminating the need for mortar.

The water conduit is on the tip or third level and was not open to the sky. It was built to carry water from springs near Uzès over 50kms to the Roman colony of Nemausus (Nimes).
It was able to carry an estimated 40,000 cubic metres of water per day to suppy the fountains, baths and homes in Nimes.

A lack of maintenance after the 4th century leading to neglect occurred as successive waves of invaders disrupted the region. The stone conduit became clogged with debris, encrustations and plant roots, greatly reducing the flow of the water. This led to clogging by mineral deposits and debris that eventually stopped the flow of water and by the 6th century had ceased to function with water and after the fall of the Roman Empire it became a toll bridge.

The bridge has survived three major floods in recent memory and has has some restoration work done during the time of Napoleon III and again in this century. Vehicles are no longer allowed to cross the 1743 road bridge.

Along the river bank you will find some ancient olive trees but I was dismayed to find many tourist (and not just children) clambering up them for the best selfie or other photo. This can't be good for the old trees so I advised folks to please respect the trees. I found myself having to do this on several occasions in the south of France.

Entry to the site includes entry to the museum complex. Inside the museum the construction of the aqueduct and Roman life at that time are explained, especially the lead pumbing, which is impressive. Check out the Roman public lavatories.

Don't go past the video room. A short video gives great views and provides insights as to why this construction was important in the lives of Romans in this area of Gaulle. There are toilets and restaurants with the site open all year.

Combine Pont du Gard with a trip to the medieval town of Uzes and a trip to Nimes.