Pont du Gard Travel Guide

The Pont du Gard, a magnificent three-tiered aqueduct bridge, stands as a proud symbol of Roman engineering. Constructed in the 1st century AD, it was built to carry water over 50 km from a spring near Uzès to the Roman colony of Nîmes. The bridge is almost 50 meters high, with the longest level measuring 275 meters. This architectural marvel is composed of three tiers of arches, rising to a height of 47 meters. The first tier has 6 arches, the second has 11 arches, and the third, which carries the water conduit, has 35 smaller arches. The aqueduct supplied water to Nîmes for five centuries, delivering 30,000 to 40,000 cubic meters of water daily. The precision of its construction is remarkable, with an average slope of only 12 meters over the entire 50km course.Over the centuries, the Pont du Gard has served various purposes. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was used as a toll bridge. Today, it stands as a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year. Visitors can explore the bridge itself, walk along the riverbanks, and discover the remains of the Roman structure. The site also features a museum that explores the history of the aqueduct and Roman engineering. In the summer, the monument is illuminated at night, creating a magical spectacle.