Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century AD to carry water to the Roman colony of Nemausus, now Nîmes. It spans the river Gardon near Vers-Pont-du-Gard in southern France and is one of the best preserved Roman aqueduct bridges. The structure stands 48.8 metres high and was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1985 for its exceptional preservation and architectural ingenuity. The aqueduct once carried an estimated 40,000 cubic metres of water a day over 50 kilometres to supply Nîmes. Its precise construction allowed an average gradient of just 1 centimetre in 182.4 metres, ensuring a steady flow to the city’s fountains, baths and homes. After the Roman Empire fell, the bridge served as a toll crossing for centuries, with local lords and bishops responsible for its upkeep. Serious damage occurred in the 17th century, but from the 18th century it became a major tourist destination. Today the Pont du Gard is one of France’s most visited monuments, with a modern visitor centre and the surrounding area cleared of traffic and buildings. The bridge has three tiers of arches made from shelly limestone, and visitors can walk along its upper level for views of the river and countryside. The site includes remnants of the aqueduct’s winding route, such as the Pont Rue and Pont de Sartanette, which show how the Romans carried water across the landscape.