A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Pont du Gard impresses with its majesty and incredible state of preservation. At 48 meters high, it holds the title of the highest Roman bridge in the world! Built nearly two thousand years ago to carry water to Nîmes, it continues to amaze visitors from around the world today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, this iconic site in the south of France is a must-see during your stay in the Gard.
Discovering the Pont du Gard
Built in 1st century AD, the aqueduct bears witness to the Roman genius and real technical feats for the time. It is part of a much more colossal work, lasting more than 52 kilometers, which carried water from the Eure Fountain, located at the foot ofUzes, until Nîmes, winding through hills and valleys.
The fascinating history of the Pont du Gard 🏺
In operation from the 1st century AD and finally abandoned in the 6th century, the aqueduct fully ensured the water supply of Nîmes for approximately 140 yearsAfter the fall of the Roman Empire, the aqueduct fell into disuse.
In the Middle Ages, however, the building retained a practical role: it was adapted to become a road bridge, facilitating exchanges between regions. It has survived through the ages, conflicts and even natural disasters.
Over the centuries, the Pont du Gard has aroused admiration and curiosity. In the XNUMXth century, the first archaeologists began to study it. 1840, he became one of the first historical monuments of France, before being registered with the UNESCO World Heritage in 1985.
The architecture and construction of the Roman aqueduct 🏗
The dimensions of the Roman aqueduct are dizzying: almost 49 meters high et 270 meters long. It perfectly illustrates the technical mastery of Roman engineers.
Surprisingly, the bridge was built without mortar : the limestone blocks, cut with remarkable precision, are assembled dry according to a system of superimposed arches which supports the colossal weight of the building.
According to estimates, nearly a thousand workers would have worked for five years on its construction.
Its slope also bears witness to exceptional ingenuity: only 12,6 meters of altitude difference between the departure and arrival of the aqueduct, or 24,8 cm per kilometer !
The precision of dimensions, the mastery of gravity, the choice of materials and the use of arches reflect a exceptional know-how.
In addition to its utilitarian function, the Pont du Gard symbolized the power of Rome and the grandeur of its Empire, capable of mobilizing colossal means to improve urban life.
The role of the Pont du Gard in water supply 💧
The Pont du Gard is not only an architectural feat: it is above all an essential element of an ancient hydraulic system of remarkable scope. The aqueduct brought to Nemausus, Roman Nîmes, about 20000 cubic meters of water per dayThis resource was vital for the Roman city and made it possible to meet agricultural and domestic needs, but also to supply the thermal baths, public fountains and public establishments of the city.
Activities and visits at Pont du Gard
Located only 18km from Beaucaire, the Roman aqueduct is the unmissable site of your stay in Land of Argence.
01
The museum: a journey through time
The Pont du Gard Museum tells the story of the aqueduct bridge through numerous models, scale reconstructions, virtual displays, and multimedia. A fun visit that takes visitors back thousands of years, perfect for families.
Duration of the visit: 1h30
02
The movie theater
A cinema room where a ten-minute documentary film is shown, a very beautiful introduction to the visit of the Roman aqueduct through magnificent images of the highest Roman bridge in the world!
Duration: 12 minutes
03
Swimming on the banks of the Gardon
Looking for a little freshness?
Standing 48 meters tall, the Pont du Gard spans the Gardon River and offers a popular swimming spot when the weather is nice. The banks of the Gardon are transformed into beaches! It's the perfect spot for a picnic or a swim!
04
Hikes and walks: Memories of Garrigue
The Memories of the Garrigue trail is an open-air exhibition. A walk that allows visitors to discover the low-growing vegetation typical of Provence, the garrigue, adapted to the Mediterranean climate. A truly sensory journey punctuated by the remains of the Roman aqueduct.
Left bank, 200 meters from the Bridge
Duration of the walk: approximately 1 hour
Length: 1,4 km
Pont du Gard events 🥳
Sound and light show
In summer, at nightfall, the ancient jewel lights up! A video mapping projection highlights the arches of the Bridge and literally enchants visitors!
Catering available on site: the restaurant Les Terrasses offers its summer menu (reservations recommended), food trucks are on site for a friendly atmosphere, and picnics are permitted.
The winegrowers on the Bridge!
What better calling card for a wine than the Pont du Gard! On Wednesdays in summer, the UNESCO-listed site honors the winemakers of the IGP Coteaux du Pont du Gard with a musical atmosphere.
The opportunity to taste the wine-growing terroir of our region and discover an exceptional site!
Practical advice for visiting the Pont du Gard
| Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Monday | Open from 08:00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Tuesday | Open from 08:00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Wednesday | Open from 08:00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Thursday | Open from 08:00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Friday | Open from 08:00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Saturday | Open from 08:00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
| Sunday | Open from 08:00 am to XNUMX:XNUMX pm |
See website for museum space opening hours.
Closure of cultural spaces from November 3, 2025 to February 28, 2026.
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult |
8 € | 15 € |
| Reduced price |
6 € | 13 € |
| Child |
0 € | 6 € |
La Bégude – 400 route du Pont du Gard 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard
How to get there ?
🚗 By car – from Beaucaire
Approximately 27 minutes drive via the D986L.
Monitored parking is available on the right and left banks (€9/day/car).
???? By train
First, go to Nîmes or Avignon train station, then take a shuttle bus to Pont du Gard.
🚌 By bus
- From Nîmes: line 121
- From Avignon: line 115
What if you went to the Pont du Gard by bike? 🚴♂️
It's quite simple, a green cycle path connects Beaucaire to Uzès via the Pont du Gard!
A true world heritage treasure, the Pont du Gard is not only contemplated in books: it is experienced. Follow in the footsteps of these genius builders, enjoy a exceptional panorama bathed in light. Here, history rubs shoulders with nature and culture in perfect harmony.
Whether you are passionate about architecture, a hiking enthusiast or simply curious, experience a unforgettable experience at the Pont du Gard. Contemplate, explore, feel all the strength and beauty of this extraordinary monument.
Where is the Pont du Gard?
The Pont du Gard is located in the commune of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, between Nîmes, Uzès and Avignon.
How long does it take to visit the Pont du Gard?
Allow at least 1.5 hours for a self-guided visit, but it's easy to spend the whole day there: have lunch on site, hike around the site, or swim in the Gardon.
Where to swim at Pont du Gard?
On the right bank of the Gardon, a natural beach allows you to cool off while enjoying a breathtaking view of the bridge.
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