There are some enjoyable actions at Pont du Gard which might be value doing while you make a go to to the well-known Roman aqueduct within the south of France. Most guests sometimes spend time taking photographs of the bridge and strolling from one aspect of the river to the opposite, however they’re lacking out on another adventures. I’ve visited Le Pont du Gard at the least 6 occasions up to now 40+ years and preserve returning.
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A. Why Go to Le Pont du Gard Aqueduct?
Whenever you see articles in regards to the south of France, photographs of the Pont du Gard typically pop up. Pont du Gard means “bridge of the Gard” and it’s an imposing sight—an unlimited bridge-aqueduct that spans the Gardon River (also called the Gard River). It is likely one of the best-preserved monuments that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage website (designation in 1985) and can also be one of the crucial visited French monuments. attracting 1.4 million guests a yr.
However along with being a fairly image, additionally it is a terrific achievement in engineering while you perceive extra about its historical past. It’s, in any case, nearly 2000 years outdated….and nonetheless standing.
(a) Historical past Of Pont du Gard France
So what makes the aqueduct, Pont du Gard so distinctive? The limestone bridge, constructed by Roman emperor Augustus’ lieutenant, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, was designed to move nearly 9 million gallons of water every day from the spring, supply d’Eure in Uzès within the north. It was constructed as simply a part of the Roman aqueduct of Nimes and wound its method via the Massif Central area of France to town of Nimes till in regards to the sixth century. Work started in 20 B.C. and was accomplished within the 1st century A.D., round 50 A.D.
(b) Pont du Gard Details
Pont du Gard is a multi-level bridge (3 tiers), 47.6 meters (160 toes) excessive and 275 meters lengthy. The highest-level initially had 47 arches and it’s the place the water was channeled. Within the twelfth century, a lot of that third tier and 12 of the arches had been destroyed and right now, solely 275 meters in size stay. It’s estimated that the true size of the third tier can be 360 meters if these arches had been nonetheless there.
The center tier has 11 arches and the bottom stage has 6 arches.
Pont du Gard is an engineering marvel and extremely well-preserved. Listed below are some attention-grabbing information about Roman ingenuity and experience:
- Pont du Gard was the very best aqueduct bridge within the Roman Empire
- Pont du Gard Was Made Utilizing Blocks Of Limestone
- some blocks had been as heavy as 6 tons. It’s mentioned that over 50,000 tons of blocks had been used to assemble the aqueduct
- the blocks had been assembled to suit collectively and keep collectively by gravity. For many of the aqueduct, no mortar was used. No bulldozers or forklifts both.
- Slope: from starting to finish, the bridge’s gradient, or slope, solely modified by 2.5 cm. This allowed the water to constantly circulation.
- No Piers In The Water: there aren’t any piers (pillars or helps) that go into the water. Should you have a look at the picture above, you’ll see that the arch on the underside stage truly straddles the river.
- Declining Upkeep And Use: periodic upkeep was required to clear the calcium carbonate deposits from contained in the aqueduct. Not cleansing out the deposits and having vegetation begin to seep into the channels started to gradual the circulation of water. By the 4th century, there was declining use of the aqueduct and it went into disrepair. As time handed, a lot of Pont du Gard was broken and looted of its stone blocks.
- Toll Bridge: Pont du Gard was additionally a toll bridge for a time. Within the thirteenth century, feudal lords and later the Bishops of Uzès got the appropriate to gather tolls; nonetheless, they had been additionally liable for its upkeep.
- Flood of 2002: On September 8 and 9, 2002, there was a disastrous flood of the Gardon River, and harm to close by cities was important. The extent of the water received near the highest of the primary stage of Pont du Gard and miraculously, the bridge was not broken.
- Vacationer Attraction: Within the 18th century, Pont du Gard turned a preferred vacationer attraction because it was the best-preserved part of the Nimes aqueduct. Carts after which motorized autos within the twentieth century had been truly allowed to cross the bridge utilizing the street that was adjoining to the primary stage.
- Success introduced alongside commercialization, visitors, and put on and tear and these started to wreck the looks and attractiveness of the realm. In 1996 work started to vary the Pont de Gard space right into a “pedestrian-only” website.
B. The place Is Pont du Gard?
Pont du Gard is situated within the commune, Vers-Pont-du-Gard, which is within the Gard division of the Occitanie area. Listed below are some distances:
- Avignon-Pont du Gard: 26 km
- Nimes-Pont du Gard: 24 km
- Arles-Pont du Gard: 28 km
The world is well-liked for outside actions, particularly water sports activities because the Gardon River flows beneath the aqueduct. One of many closest cities is Remoulins (2.5km away), the place I stayed for one yr as a result of I needed to be near the aqueduct. Try this wonderful Mattress and Breakfast (it has a pool which is a deal with in the course of the sizzling summer season months): La Combe Joseph
C. Actions At Pont du Gard
Listed below are 5 enjoyable issues to do on the Pont du Gard:
- stroll via the well-known aqueduct
- kayak beneath Pont du Gard
- attend a sound and light-weight present (probably with fireworks)
- hike round Pont du Gard
- swim within the Gardon River
There’s just one factor you’ll be able to not do since you may kill your self. I can’t consider I did it, however that was a very long time in the past when security measures weren’t as essential I suppose. Right here’s details about that harmful pursuit.
You Can not Stroll Throughout The High Of Pont du Gard
Sorry to disappoint you however you’ll be able to not stroll throughout the highest of Pont du Gard. Within the early Nineties, I walked throughout the highest of the aqueduct and sure it was a bit scary. As you’ll be able to see from the photographs, it was simple to photo-bomb me and the exercise was extremely harmful!
To provide you perspective, zoom in on the picture of me in entrance of Pont du Gard and have a look at all of the folks on prime of it. No railings!
They definitely don’t allow you to stroll throughout the highest anymore. The closest you will get is by taking a tour that takes you THROUGH the aqueduct.
1. Stroll By way of The Pont du Gard Aqueduct
(a) Tour
The one solution to stroll THROUGH the aqueduct is to take a guided tour. It’s an gratifying solution to be taught extra about how Pont du Gard was constructed and constructed to supply water to the residents of Nimes. You’ll additionally acquire entry to the within of the aqueduct and get splendid, panoramic views of the whole area.
The tour I took was solely accessible in French and lasted 1 hour. The Pont du Gard web site has conflicting info because it signifies an English tour, but within the description, it says “the go to is in French”, so that you’ll must double-check while you ebook your ticket or while you get there. The fee is 15 € and likewise offers you entry to the Discovery areas which home the museum, non permanent exhibitions, cinema, and kids’s play space.
The assembly level is situated by the customer centre. Our tour information took us down the left financial institution in direction of the aqueduct. We stopped to be taught in regards to the development of the bridge and had been additionally proven an extremely outdated olive tree that was transplanted at Pont du Gard in 1988. Because the inscription within the close by rock beside it says, “I used to be born in 908 AD in Spain and was planted by the Pont du Gard on September 23, 1988.”
(b) Inside The Aqueduct
Our tour information took us to the river’s edge after which up the stone stairs the place we entered the aqueduct. After climbing the steps to get to the highest we began strolling throughout the third tier. If you are not solely enclosed in the course of the brief stroll, you’re surrounded by stone and the width of the trail is just round 2 toes and the peak might be round 68” (beneath 6 toes), so watch your head!
At occasions there are openings above so it’s probably not like strolling in a tunnel and also you probably received’t get claustrophobic. Try my “walkthrough” on this YouTube video: click on right here or on the picture.
2. Kayak Underneath Pont du Gard
Paddling a kayak beneath Pont du Gard is an expertise I may do again and again. I’ve rented a kayak twice and to see the mammoth Pont du Gard aqueduct in your view whereas paddling on the calm Gard is one thing everybody ought to attempt.
(a) Kayak Rental And Route
Listed below are the main points on how to do that expertise:
- To do that exercise, you need to be over the age of 6, know easy methods to swim 25 meters and be submerged beneath water
- Park your automotive in Collias and lease a kayak from Kayak Vert. There are a variety of canoe or kayak rental firms within the space. Simply search for indicators like, “Pont du Gard kayak rental”, “Pont du Gard canoeing”, or “Pont du Gard canoe rental”. [In France I have sometimes found that “canoe” and “kayak” are used interchangeably and often just mean kayak.]
- The kayaks are available in varied sizes: 1, 2,3 or 4 seats
- Price: 24 € per individual
- You’ll be supplied with paddles, life jackets, and a giant waterproof “barrel” or container in your belongings (no assure how tight it will likely be however I’ve by no means had an issue with my issues getting moist). We introduced a picnic lunch so we would have liked the container, simply in case.
- It’s truly pretty simple to do the 8 km, 2-hour route
- You begin the journey in Collias and you may make it a half-day or full time out.
- Whenever you arrive at Pont du Gard, a bus transports you again to your automotive in Collias the place you parked your automotive. It’s included in the associated fee.
(b) Kayak Vert
Kayak Vert has a wide range of routes and durations:
- Collias to Pont du Gard (8 km)
- Collias to La Baume to Collias (7 km) (Your route is within the Gorges du Gardon)
- Collias to La Baume to Collias to Pont du Gard (15 km)
- in addition they supply another routes from Pont St Nicolas and Russan to Pont du Gard and these are significantly longer routes (ie. 11km and 30km respectively)
(c) What You Ought to Carry On Your Kayak Tour
As tempting as it might be, assume twice about bringing your digital camera. Should you do convey it, preserve it within the container till you’re docked. I had a water-resistant smartphone case and was extraordinarily cautious about taking it out to take images
You possibly can simply get a sunburn in the summertime, so take into account bringing:
- swimsuit
- t-shirt to cowl
- hat
- sunscreen
- water
- sun shades
- towel
- picnic
- water sneakers come in useful as they make it simpler to get out and in of the kayak
3. Pont du Gard At Evening: Sound And Mild Spectacle
Visiting Pont du Gard after darkish must also be in your listing of issues to do, particularly in the summertime when there’s the Pont du Gard gentle present. The bridge is illuminated and music typically accompanies the spectacle. There may even be fireworks, too, as was the case a couple of years in the past after I attended “Les Féeries du Pont”.
(a) Les Féeries du Pont
“Les Féeries du Pont” was a present I’ll always remember and the ticket was solely 25 €. The spectacle happened on two consecutive weekends in June and on the web site the occasion was described as having “video-mapping projections, flame turbines, gentle compositions, theatre of sunshine, pyrotechnics and unique music.” The extravaganza was created by Groupe F, deemed “the world’s greatest pyro-technicians”.
The present’s theme was “Feux Romains” (Roman Fires), which was consistent with the historical past of the Pont du Gard, which was constructed by the Romans.
(b) Meals At The Sound And Mild Present
Once I arrived at 8:00 pm, there have been already many automobiles parked regardless that the occasion wasn’t scheduled to start out till 10:30 pm. Thankfully, after I arrived on the appropriate financial institution the restaurant (with an costly fixed-price menu) was open; nonetheless, there have been a variety of meals vans arrange with picnic tables arrange all around the space.
Many households had introduced alongside provisions for their very own picnics. When Pont du Gard has occasions like this, there are sometimes particular meals distributors on website.
(c) Viewing Space To See The Sound And Mild Present
After having one thing to eat, most spectators ultimately positioned themselves on the grassy hillside that faces the Pont. We had been all set for the present! As we waited for the present to start out, a band performed tacky music by the river, and the technicians examined out the totally different results, equivalent to lighting up the Pont and surrounding space.
(d) Pont du Gard Spectacle
I’ve been to a sound and light-weight present earlier than, at Château de Chenonceau within the Loire Valley a few years in the past. Photos had been projected onto the château and the classical music was accompanied by French commentary. To be trustworthy, I wasn’t all that impressed…..however this present at Pont du Gard? WOW!
Whereas it was too tough for me to know the French commentary, the pictures gave me sufficient of an concept of the storyline (historical past of the Pont). The music and light-weight present mixed with the fireworks made this occasion spectacular. There have been additionally actors wearing reflective costumes driving horses. To see them far-off within the distance was simply as spectacular as seeing them up shut.
It’s tough to indicate you photographs of the pictures because it was so darkish for my digital camera; nonetheless, as footage (and movies) generally converse louder than phrases, listed here are a few of the night’s highlights. Click on right here or the picture above with the horseman to look at the video.
4. Hike Round The Pont du Gard
Pont du Gard sits on 165 hectares of protected land and far of the realm is forested. There are some trails and paths that lead you to greater factors, which is ideal for getting panoramic views of the aqueduct.
(a) Memoires de Garrigue
There’s a 1.4km stroll via the botanical gardens known as Mémoires de Garrigue (Reminiscences of the Garrigue). You’ll see stays of Pont du Gard and be launched to Mediterranean agriculture, strolling via vineyards, previous olive timber, and quite a few vegetation native to the realm.
(b) Panoramic Views From The Hills On The Proper And Banks
The tip of the guided tour takes place on the appropriate financial institution. From there I made a decision to hike across the space. I’m glad I had my path trainers (trainers can be tremendous) as there are paths that take you greater into the hills, and supply wonderful panoramic views of the aqueduct that you simply definitely don’t get from wherever else.
Not all paths have signage. I stayed on the vacationer paths and sometimes wandered off into scrubland and extra wooded areas. Should you do that, make sure to convey alongside some water as it could actually get extremely popular in summer season.
(c) Stays Of The Nimes Aqueduct
After I completed the tour strolling via the aqueduct on the third stage, I walked via the Pouzin tunnel, which was constructed in 1865. After Pont du Gard stopped getting used to move water to Nimes within the 4th century, there was nonetheless curiosity centuries afterward getting water to town.
The Pouzin tunnel was related to the partially accomplished Pouzin canal, an excessively bold undertaking created to move water from the Rhone River to Nimes. It was deserted 3 years later in favour of one other undertaking.
I exited the tunnel and encountered one other part of the aqueduct of Nimes —-the stays of the Valmale bridge (Pont de la Combe de Valmale). You possibly can see the water channels and the way water might need flowed via.
5. Swim In The Gardon River By The Pont du Gard
Along with swimming while you go kayaking, you can merely seize a spot on the seashore situated on the appropriate river financial institution and go swimming. It’s a very talked-about exercise, particularly when it’s extremely sizzling in the summertime (frequent).
Needless to say on the banks of the Gardon River, you’ll not discover many sandy seashores, if any. It’s lacking a lot vegetation and is way rockier as a consequence of a flood that occurred in 2002. On the riverside there are many pebbles and rocks and the grassy, shaded spots are extra inland. There’s a plan, nonetheless, to reinstall seashores in time.
The water could be deep in spots and the present can take you upstream, beneath the aqueduct. There aren’t any lifeguards and in elements of the river the present could be robust, so watch out. Additionally, it’s forbidden to dive from the Pont du Gard bridge or the rocks. There are washrooms on each banks of the river.
D. Pont du Gard Guests Centre, Museum, And Discovery Space
(a) Guests Centre
On the Guests Centre, there’s a present store, cafe, and washrooms. The partitions of the open-air advanced have wonderful shows of Pont du Gard. On this space, you’ll additionally discover the museum, non permanent exhibitions, cinema, and a Discovery Space. This part has an academic video games space for kids aged 5 to 12.
(b) Museum (Everlasting Exhibition)
I might be remiss if I didn’t point out the very good high-tech, multi-media museum that is situated on the customer’s centre. It’s an in depth everlasting show of artifacts, fashions of the bridge, and reconstructions so you’ll be able to see how the aqueduct was constructed and used. A 13-minute documentary runs constantly within the cinema. It’s all very effectively completed.
(c) Non permanent Exhibitions
Pont du Gard has ongoing non permanent exhibitions situated beside the everlasting gallery.
Once I visited, the non permanent exhibition’s theme centred round “LOVE”. On the entranceway, there was a show with the phrase, “Quand notre coeur fait boum!” (“When our coronary heart goes “Increase!”—one of many lyrics from Charles Trenet’s music, “Boum”). Inside, one gallery was in regards to the science of affection and the opposite was dedicated to phrases, quotes, objects, and pictures associated to like.
Despite the fact that the exhibitions might not even be associated to the aqueduct, they’re typically interactive and attention-grabbing, to say the least.
Pont du Gard
Deal with: 400 Rte du Pont du Gard, 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard
Open: 7 days every week (observe: the museum is closed Monday mornings). Hours fluctuate relying on the season
Parking: there are two big parking heaps (one on either side of the river). It’s solely a 10-15 minute stroll to the customer’s centre
Charges:
- it’s truly free to entry the Pont du Gard website when you hike there. There’s a payment of 9 € for parking
- entry to the Pont du Gard museum, cinema, non permanent displays, Discovery Space, and Reminiscences of the Garrigue: 6.5€ (Free Admission for these 18 and youthful.)
- Guided Tour: 15 € (Lowered charge for these 6-17 years of age)
Meals/Eating:
- on the customer’s centre, there’s an eat-in cafe
- on the appropriate financial institution of the Gardon River, going through Pont du Gard:
- “Les Terraces”: a sit-down restaurant serving Mediterranean delicacies
- “Les Petites Terraces”: a take-out meals concession (“Les Petites Terraces”) with a couple of tables/chairs
- There aren’t many picnic tables. Most individuals simply unfold out a blanket on the grassy space by the banks of the river to have their picnic lunch/dinner.
E. Ceaselessly Requested Questions
I stayed 6 hours the place I visited the museum and the non permanent exhibit, watched the movie, took the tour to the highest of the aqueduct, hiked across the space, and had lunch. I might allot a minimal of two hours when you’re simply going to go to the museum and wander across the space. The tour alone is 1 hour and to be trustworthy, it’s such a fantastic space you shouldn’t rush your go to.
