From Moustier, we moved to our next destination, the Pont du Gard bridge. This bridge was built in the 1st century to channel water from the Eure springs near Uzès to Nîmes, and has remain intact for so long. It was added to UNESCO Heritage Site in 1995 because of its historical importance.
We arrived at the destination, Site Pont du Gard at around 5 pm. Luckily, the site didn’t close early in summer time. So, that’s gave us some time to hang around the place leisurely.
The entry fee is not cheap though (€18 for family package), all for the bridge?We have skipped the museum right at the entrance, one reason is that entry fee is needed. The other reason is that we prefer to stay outdoor.
Built in the 1st century AD, the Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges and is the best preserved with the Aqueduct of Segovia. It was added to UNESCO Heritage Site in 1995 because of its historical importance.
Designed to carry the water across the small Gardon river valley, it was part of a nearly 50 km that brought water from springs near Uzes to the Roman city of Nemausus (Nimes).
The bridge was constructed entirely without the use of mortar. It is believed to have taken about 3 years to build, employing between 800 to 1000 workers.
The bridge has 3 tiers of arches, standing 48.8 m high.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Pont du Gard remained largely intact due to the importance of its secondary function as a toll bridge. It had attracted increasing attention starting in the 18th century and became an important tourist destination.
The bridge had undergone a series of renovation between the 18th and 21st century commissioned by the local authorities and the French state. Today, it’s one of France’s most popular tourist attractions.
Besides the bridge and the visitor center, there isn’t anything to see…Luckily the river is still there…so we could let the kids to play water for a while, like many other tourists did.
Walking down to the river side…
The boys were getting reserved in playing water in a wild river. Without any “tools” in their hands, they have lost the interest pretty fast.
Jessy Lee
Kevin
Nicholas Lee
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