When I was younger, my only plan in life was to become Indiana Jones.
Not much has changed.
However, Indiana Jones is exactly who I felt like, albeit minus the whip and the Nazis, when I went to explore the world’s highest Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard, and the beautiful neighbouring city of Nimes.
Pont du Gard is a three tiered aqueduct that was built in the first century ad to carry spring water from the the two of Uzes, underground, and across the Gorge du Gardon to the city of Nimes.
Originally spanning 50km, (though most if the construction being underground) the only part that remains is the impressive structure that crosses the deep Gorge.
Pont du Gard is now a huge tourist attraction, bringing in millions of visitors each year. With a museum, cinema, restaurant and cafes, picnic areas, and beach, its not hard to see why so many people choose to spend a day there.
18 euros will get a car, and up to 5 people, into every part on offer, for a whole day. Which, for everything that is available to do, I didn't think was such a bad price. There is even a parking area for motorhomes, with larger spaces, over in one corner of the car park.
I, unfortunately, was on a bit of a time limit, and hadn't known I would be visiting Pont du Gard as I set off in the morning, and so hadn’t though ahead to make a day of it.
However, even spending only a couple of hours at the incredible structure, is completely worth it.
When you first walk in, under a brand new covered area full of benches, information boards, and the museum, you can’t see the aqueduct. You walk along a tree-lined path, past the most beautiful house, and turn a gentle corner, which is surrounded by ancient olive trees. Above you, suddenly, looms this magnificent structure, casting a shadow over all below it.
I didn’t really know what to expect with the Pont du Gard, but if anything, I was assuming it to be akin to the very few other Roman sites I have visited over the years; essentially a ruin. However, it is anything but. Still in fantastic condition, despite being 2000 years old, the aqueduct is both beautiful, with golden stones and perfect arches, as well as functional. A perfect representation of Roman society.
Down at the bottom of the gorge, below the Pont du Gard, runs the crystal blue waters of the Gardon River, and there were a lucky few kayakers who were paddling under the aqueduct itself. Definitely a must-do on another trip to the area!
On either side of the aqueduct, you are able to climb up the side embankment and view the arches from above. There are also around four tours a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon, which allow you (for an extra cost) to walk across the second, or third tiers.
As you cross the aqueduct itself, which is covered in carved graffiti from over the centuries, you are led down the other side to a small beach area, and families enjoying a swim in the cooling waters.
Pont du Gard is a perfect day out. Take a picnic, a good pair of shoes that you can clamber in, and your swimming gear, and enjoy a day as Indiana Jones, discovering the Roman world.
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