Pont du Gard is the most famous part of a 50km long ancient Roman aqueduct which supplied water to Nimes for five centuries. If you're visiting Avignon, Nimes or Uzes, don't miss the opportunity to visit the this architectural masterpiece. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.
Ticket counter of Pont du Gard. Scroll to bottom of page to see admission fees and opening times.
** Pont du Gard has been closed since 30 October 2020 due to new measures by the French government.
Cafe at the site.
The admission ticket to the site also allows entry to facilities situated on the two banks of the Gardon:
- the museum
- cinema with a film presenting the site
- an outdoor exhibition about human occupation here since 2000 years ago
- Ludo, an entertaining and educational space for children
- temporary artistic and scientific exhibitions
Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to visit all the facilities, so I just focus on the aqueduct bridge.
The river bed was a bit dry during my visit. Pont du Gard is consist of three tiers of arches across the Gardon River. The lower tier is made of 6 arches. This is the second tier which is made of 11 arches.
Visitors are not allowed to climb over the parapet and step on the monument. Standing at 48m tall, it is the highest Roman aqueduct bridge.
The view of Gardon River from the bridge.
This is the left bank of the river. Visitor can climb up to the viewpoint.
From this point, the staircase continues with a flight of spiral staircase built between 1842 and 1846 in order to access the upper level of the bridge-aqueduct. Visits of the top level are open to the public during summer and all year round for groups upon reservation.
View of the Pont du Gard from another side which is facing the sun. The construction of the Pont du Gard required 21,000 m3 of yellow limestone rocks extracted from the Roman quarries near the ancient site. All the foundations are anchored into the rock base, which allows the bridge to withstand the test of time and flood.
Pont du Gard was used as an aqueduct until 6th century. After the fall of Roman empire and the aqueduct fell into disuse, it became a tollgate in the Middle Ages and finally a road bridge from 18th to 20th century. In year 2000, traffic and buildings were removed from the bridge and a new visitor center was opened. Today it is one of the most visited French monuments.
If you have time, do visit the museum and the exhibitions on site. I'm sure it will help you know more about the history and construction of Pont du Gard. And this marked the end of my half day tour. I was back to Avignon afterwards. Next posting: Avignon.
Pont du GardAdmission fees (parking included):
EUR 9.50 (adult), EUR 7 (reduced), free for child below age 18, guided visit + EUR 6
* Evening rates in July & August: EUR 5 (adult), EUR 3 (reduced), free for child below age 18
Opening hours of the site:
Opens daily. Museum is closed for maintenance every Monday mornings & 6-17 January.
9am - 8pm (Jan - Mar)
9am - 9pm (Apr & May)
10am - 10pm (Jun)
9am - 12am (Jul & Aug)
9am - 10pm (Sep)
9am - 9pm (Oct - Dec)
Closing of ticket counter - 30 minutes before closing time
Website: https://www.pontdugard.fr/en
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