Pont du Gard

Ever thought about traveling off the beaten path along the back roads of the breathtakingly beautiful countryside of Provence, France?

A must-see monument is the Pont du Gard, which was constructed by the Romans in the late 1st century BC in order to redirect water from a spring 50 kilometers from Nîmes. You’d be blown away by the structure’s sheer size and historical background. It also happens to be an amazing engineering feat. You’d think that after 2,000 years, buildings & structures categorized as Roman ruins would have been destroyed or supplanted already. Not with the Pont du Gard. The stable monument is partly due to the massive stones used in its construction. Built completely without mortar, the structure is held together by six-ton stones with iron clamps. The postcard-perfect bridge may look delicate but it’s robust, as proven by its long existence. Pont du Gard, which stands proudly above the Gard River, towers above all Roman aqueducts. It consists of three tiers of arches and at the top is the aqueduct itself. The bridge has a well-proportioned triple tier design and beautiful woodland setting.

Certainly one of the best-preserved showcases of Roman architecture in France, the Pont du Gard joined other awesome destinations designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1985. Today, millions of tourists flock to see the Pont du Gard annually. It’s only 25 kilometers from Nimes. Up close, the monument amazes many travelers who highly appreciate technical and artistic works of architecture.

Recent years have seen enhancements that lure even more visitors to the scenic spot. Pont du Gard is an amazing setting for multimedia exhibits highlighted by high-tech images & sounds. Situated on the left bank of the river is a national park. Climb the steep stone steps to marvel at the fantastic view from above. Others find the spot ideal for cycling and horseback riding.