Languedoc and Provence: The Pont du Gard

The Roman Empire changed the face of the world. Its innovations in the realm of the military, civics and engineering made a lasting impact on the earth's surface which can still be witnessed, centuries later. 

One of those innovations was the creation of aqueducts to carry water from springs and streams to Roman cities; and among the most impressive of those was the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct bridge carrying water to Nemausus - or Nîmes, as it's known today.

Pont du GardThe Pont du Gard

About the Pont du Gard

The aqueduct, of which the Pont du Gard is the most spectacular part, once covered 50 kilometres to carry water from Uzès to Nîmes. A marvel of Roman architecture and engineering, it was built in the 1st Century AD. Across the three tiers, there are six arches on the first level, 11 arches on the second level and 47 arches originally at the top. There is only one inch difference in height between one side and the other, and from the entire aqueduct's path, it descents 12.5 metres, pretty impressive for a system that long, especially given the simplicity of the technology that the Romans were working with!

As the population of Nimes grew, the transport of water was vital, and the aqueduct brought the city more wealth and prestige, with its fountains, public baths and even running water in the most luxurious homes. 

Pont du Gard facts  

  • The highest Roman bridge-aqueduct in the world at 49 metres
  • Built by almost 1000 men
  • Constructed in five years around 50AD (under Claudius or Nero's reign)
  • Average gradient of 25 cm per kilometre 
  • Carried 30-40,000 m3 of running water per day 
  • UNESCO listed since 1985

Cyclist by the Roman UNESCO heritage site Pont du Gard in France

Though the bridge fell into disuse and neglect during the 4th century as the Languedoc was disrupted by invaders, it remained intact; the lower levels of the bridge were used as a toll bridge for civilians to cross the valley. However, it continued to fall into disrepair, and was significantly damaged during the 1620s when it was used to transport Huguenot artillery. It wouldn't be until 1850, when Napoleon III visited the bridge, that repair work would begin; he agreed to fund architect Charles Laisné to renovate the aqueduct, replacing eroded stone and enhancing the bridge's stability. The repairs were highly successful; in the past century it has survived not one, but three serious floods that washed away other bridges!

As a work of artistic and engineering genius that stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Romans, it is no surprise that the Pont du Gard has inspired artists and writers since its creation.

Best way to visit the Pont du Gard

 

If you want to visit this incredible aqueduct, there's a great opportunity to do so on our Provence Roman Heritage Cycling Tour. We find that the very best way to see it is from the river below. We take a canoe trip down the river Gard and under the bridge, capturing the sheer scale of this majestic piece of human innovation from a duck's eye view!

Canoe trip to the Pont du Gard in France

Tick the Pont du Gard off your bucket list and join us for our next cycle tour.