Background

Pont du Gard: A Roman Aqueduct Masterpiece

Explore the Pont du Gard, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to Roman engineering, with its stunning architecture and rich history.

4.6

The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge constructed in the 1st century AD to carry water to Nîmes. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it stands as a testament to Roman engineering and architectural ingenuity.

A brief summary to Pont du Gard

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the vast area surrounding the bridge and the riverbanks.
  • Visit during the week and preferably in the morning to avoid large crowds.
  • In the summer, stay to see the sound and light show that illuminates the bridge at night.
  • Bring mosquito repellent, especially if visiting in the evening.
  • Consider visiting the museum to learn about the history and construction of the aqueduct.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    The Pont du Gard is located near the A9 motorway; take exit 23 (Remoulins) and follow the signs towards Uzès. Then, follow the signs to the right or left bank. There are two large parking lots available, one on each side of the river. Parking costs €9 per vehicle per day. Payment can be made at the automatic kiosks or the exit terminals.

  • Public Transport

    The closest train stations to the Pont du Gard are Nîmes Centre, Nîmes Pont du Gard, Avignon Centre, and Avignon TGV. From these stations, you can take a shuttle bus to the Pont du Gard. Alternatively, from Nîmes, take bus line 121, or from Avignon, take bus line 115. The bus costs approximately €1.50 each way, and tickets can be purchased on board. The bus will drop you off at the Vers-Pont-du-Gard roundabout, a 10-minute walk from the site entrance.

  • Walking

    It is possible to walk to the Pont du Gard via marked hiking trails. From the village of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, follow the GR63 trail towards the Pont du Gard. The walk is approximately 3 kilometers and takes around 40 minutes. Be aware that the route involves crossing a roundabout, so exercise caution.

Unlock the Best of Pont du Gard

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard, a colossal three-tiered Roman bridge, is a masterpiece of ancient engineering. Constructed around 19 BCE, it was built to carry water over the Gard River to the city of Nîmes in southern France. The aqueduct, nearly 50 km long, supplied approximately 35,000 cubic meters of water daily to the city's inhabitants, baths, fountains, and gardens. The bridge stands 48 meters (155 feet) high and consists of three tiers of arches. The first tier has 6 arches, the second has 11, and the third, which carries the water conduit, has 35 smaller arches. The structure was built without mortar, showcasing the remarkable precision of Roman construction. The stones, some weighing up to 6 tons, were hoisted into place and secured with seals carved on site. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the Pont du Gard has been a popular tourist destination for centuries. Visitors can explore the bridge itself, walk along the river, and discover the remains of the Roman structure. The site also features a museum that explores the history of the aqueduct and the engineering techniques used by the Romans. In the summer, the banks of the Gardon River transform into beaches, offering opportunities for swimming and kayaking. At night, the monument comes alive with a sound and light show.

Popular Experiences near Pont du Gard

Popular Hotels near Pont du Gard

Select Currency