Facts and Data
Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Pont du Gard DVD (in French, with English subtitles)
L'Aqueduc romain (Au Pays du Pont du Gard) (only in French)
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Official website of "Pont du Gard"
Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1985
Size of heritage: 0.33 ha
- Buffer zone: 691 ha
Coordinates:
Longitude: 4,535°
Latitude: 43,947°
Summary
Location on Map
Show bigger map on Openstreetmap
Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)
The Pont du Gard is a remarkable ancient Roman aqueduct located in the south of France, near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard. It is considered one of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of Roman engineering and architecture, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.
History
The construction of the Pont du Gard dates back to the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was part of a larger aqueduct system known as the Nîmes aqueduct, which was built to supply water to the city of Nîmes, approximately 50 kilometers away.
The aqueduct was designed to transport water from the Eure spring, located in the Uzès region, to Nîmes. The Pont du Gard served as a crucial section of the aqueduct, spanning the Gardon River and allowing the water to flow at a steady gradient. The aqueduct system was an impressive feat of engineering, with a total length of 50 kilometers and a gradient of only 34 centimeters per kilometer.
For centuries, the Pont du Gard played a vital role in supplying water to the city of Nîmes. However, with the decline of the Roman Empire, the aqueduct fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned. Over the years, the bridge was used as a toll bridge, a road bridge, and even a defensive structure during times of conflict.
Current State
Today, the Pont du Gard stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient Romans. It is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its grandeur and historical significance.
The aqueduct is composed of three tiers of arches, reaching a height of 49 meters and spanning a length of 275 meters. The lower level consists of six arches, while the middle and upper levels each have 11 arches. The stones used in its construction were carefully cut and fitted together without the use of mortar, showcasing the precision and skill of the Roman builders.
The Pont du Gard is surrounded by a picturesque landscape, with the river flowing beneath it and the lush greenery of the surrounding hills. Visitors can explore the site through various walking trails and enjoy panoramic views of the aqueduct from different vantage points.
In addition to its architectural significance, the Pont du Gard also serves as a cultural and educational center. The site features a museum that provides insights into the history and construction of the aqueduct, as well as the daily life of the Roman Empire. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
The Pont du Gard is not only a symbol of Roman engineering prowess but also a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations. Its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site ensures its preservation for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
Hotels and places to stay
Begude Saint-Pierre
Résidence Club mmv Pont du Gard
ZZ-TBD-DOMAINE DES ESCAUNES
Hostellerie le Castellas
Colombier Logis
Hotel Restaurant Le Gardon
Villa Des Figuiers
Le Vieux Castillon
La Maison de Léonie
Le Mas De Gleyzes
Videos from the area
Provence, France: Pont du Gard and Nîmes
More info about travel to Provence: http://www.ricksteves.com/europe/france/provence In this video, we'll travel to France's Provence region to explore the Pont du Gard aqueduct and more Roman...
Pont Du Gard - Gard Bridge - France
The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that crosses the Gardon River in Vers-Pont-du-Gard near Remoulins, in the Gard département of southern France. It is part of the Nîmes...
Pont Du Gard - Francia
Il ponte del Gard è un ponte romano a tre livelli situato nel sud della Francia a Vers-Pont-du-Gard, vicino Remoulins, nel dipartimento del Gard. Attraversa il fiume Gardon, e fa parte dell'acqued...
Puente del Gard - Francia
El Puente de Gard es un acueducto situado en el sur de Francia construido por el Imperio romano. Se encuentra junto al pueblo de Remoulins, en el departamento de Gard. Se creyó durante mucho...
le pont du gard 2011 HD by cleanmix
le pont du gard 2011 by www.cleanmix.com Monument antique exceptionnel, le Pont du Gard est inscrit au Patrimoine Mondial de l'UNESCO depuis 1985 et fait don...
La garrigue et le Pont du Gard (Gard - France)
(F) Près de vingt siècles nous séparent de la construction d'un des ouvrages de génie civil les plus connus à travers le monde. Symbole de la puissance de la civilisation romaine, il...
Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners. 
Nîmes-Arles-Camargue AirportMedium airport - 14 mi (24 km)
Avignon-Caumont AirportMedium airport - 18 mi (30 km)
Alès-Deaux AirportMedium airport - 21 mi (35 km)
Montpellier-Méditerranée AirportMedium airport - 38 mi (62 km)
Aubenas-Ardèche Méridional AirportMedium airport - 42 mi (68 km)
Montélimar - Ancône AirportSmall airport - 45 mi (73 km)
Marseille Provence AirportLarge airport - 49 mi (79 km)
Valence-Chabeuil AirportMedium airport - 71 mi (114 km)
Nice-Côte d'Azur AirportLarge airport - 135 mi (218 km)
Toulouse-Blagnac AirportLarge airport - 160 mi (257 km)
Brive-La Roche AirportLarge airport - 172 mi (278 km)
Geneva Cointrin International AirportLarge airport - 176 mi (284 km)
Bigger and popular cities in the wider vicinity are these:
- Aix-en-Provence
- Ales
- Apt
- Arles
- Avignon
- Beziers
- Carpentras
- Condorcet
- Die
- Florac
- Forcalquier
- Istres
- Largentiere
- Le Chambon
- Le Devoluy
- Le Puy-en-Velay
- Le Vigan
- Lodeve
- Marseille
- Mende
- Millau
- Montpellier
- Nimes
- Nyons
- Privas
- Saint-Etienne
- Tournon-sur-Rhone
- Valence
- Vienne
- Yssingeaux
These are some smaller cities that might be interesting. They are all rather close.
- Argilliers
- Bezouce
- Boisset
- Cabrieres
- Castillon-du-Gard
- Collias
- Comps
- Domazan
- Estezargues
- Flaux
- Fournes
- La Capelle-et-Masmolene
- Ledenon
- Meynes
- Montfrin
- Pouzilhac
- Remoulins
- Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard
- Saint-Gervasy
- Saint-Hilaire-d'Ozilhan
- Saint-Hippolyte-de-Montaigu
- Saint-Maximin
- Saint-Siffret
- Saint-Victor-des-Oules
- Saint-Vincent
- Sanilhac-Sagries
- Sernhac
- Theziers
- Valliguieres
- Vers-Pont-du-Gard