Pont du Gard
What did the Romans ever do for Nîmes?
The Pont du Gard has to be one of the most spectacular Roman monuments anywhere. This magnificent aqueduct built during the 1st Century AD is 50km/31 miles long and was used to channel fresh water from Uzès to Nîmes as well as being a bridge over the River Gardon.
Located between Vers-de-Pont-du-Gard and Remoulins, the three-tiered Aqueduct crosses the River Gardon. From the banks on either side there are splendid views. It is accompanied by a road bridge (now closed to motor vehicles) built in 1743 which blends in so well with the architecture that you hardly notice it!
World heritage Status
Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 it is the highest of all such structures. Standing nearly 49m tall and carrying 200 million litres of water per day it was a phenomenal feat of engineering. It is thought that it was used till the 9th century but it became increasingly blocked after the 4th.
Since 2000 there has been a visitor centre through which you must pass after parking your car. Here there is a multi-media exhibition including films, other displays as well as shops and eating places.