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Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

The remarkably preserved Pont du Gard is a masterpiece of Roman engineering. Built in the 1st century BC as part of a 50km aqueduct, it once supplied 30,000m³ of water daily to Nimes and until recently was used as a car bridge.

There’s a small museum on site that documents the history of the aqueduct, and explains how it was built with a variety of models, virtual reconstructions, multimedia screens and sounds.

While you're there

From mid-June on, beaches with rafts and shades are set up 200m down from the Pont du Gard if you feel like some beach time and a paddle.

You can also kayak or canoe on the river. Based 8km upriver from the Pont du Gard, Canoe Collias hire out canoes or kayaks that allow you to paddle down and under the aqueduct – a more adventurous way to appreciate it. They’ll retrieve you two or three hours later, 500m beyond the aqueduct. They have longer routes too, up to 30km, that will take your further through the natural reserve of the Gorges du Gardon.

Around 10 kilometres downstream from the Pont du Gard, north of Sernhac, you can explore two extraordinary Roman tunnels, still bearing axe marks – one 60m and the other 65m long.

Price from: £8.50
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: -

Getting there & doing it

There are two car parks near the bridge: the main (left bank) one, off the D19/D981 Avignon and Uzes, and the second one (right bank) signposted a mile from Remoulins. From Avignon, take the A15 bus to Ales, which has a stop in easy walking distance of the Pont du Gard, but be sure to check the schedules before setting out.

From July to September, there are regular, 30-minute guided tours that take you up to the 3rd level channel. They start on the right bank. No booking required.

On site there’s a café, snack bar and bistro, and Les Terrasses restaurant on the right bank – with lovely views.

When to do it

The site is accessible all year round, seven days a week. In July and August, arrive early in the day to avoid the midday heat and the crowds. If you stay until the evening, you may catch the Sound & Light Show, a 30-minute spectacular, starting around 10.30pm.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon

Avignon

Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon
Enjoy a small group tour from Avignon to discover two wonders of the ancient world: Pont du Gard and Roman Theater in Orange, and take the opportunity to taste a great wine in famous Chateaneuf du Pape. This is a perfect tour for Roman's architecture and wine lovers.

Price: €75

Min age: 0

Rating 4.74 / 5 [86 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Nimes, Uzes & Pont du Gard Small Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon

Avignon

Nimes, Uzes & Pont du Gard Small Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon
Enjoy this half day tour from Avignon with an experienced local guide who will take you to places where you will discover some of the best preserved Roman heritage. Visit Nimes, walk through the charming medieval town Uzes and finish by a masterpiece of Roman construction: the Pont du Gard. In this tour, step back in 2000 years of history.

Price: €75

Min age: 0

Rating 4.67 / 5 [102 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Roman Sites and Historical Places Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon

Avignon

Roman Sites and Historical Places Small-Group Day Trip from Avignon
Step back in time and discover thousands of years of civilization and heritage on this 8-hour Roman sites day trip from Avignon. Follow your guide through ancient Nîmes and discover top city attractions like the Roman amphitheater, and the Maison Carrée — widely considered among the best-preserved Roman temples in the world. Visit Uzès and admire the Fenestrelle Tower and Saint-Théodorit d'Uzès Cathedral. Marvel at the spectacular Pont du Gard — a UNESCO–listed Roman aqueduct — stop in Orange to visit the Roman Antic Theatre - and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to eight people.

Price: €122

Min age: 4

Rating 4.10 / 5 [95 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Avignon, St Rémy, Les Baux de Provence & Pont du Gard

Avignon

Avignon, St Rémy, Les Baux de Provence & Pont du Gard
Combine Roman and historical heritage on this full-day trip from Avignon! Explore the former city of the Pope : Avignon, with its Popes Palace. Enjoy a glass of wine of Côtes du Rhône after your walking tour. In the afternoon, you will be in the Alpilles area. First stop will be in Saint-Rémy de Provence for a little walk in the city center, then you will visit the pretty village of Les Baux de Provence. Before the return in Avignon, admire the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct.

Price: €122

Min age: 4

Rating 4.53 / 5 [13 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Avignon & the Pont du Gard

Avignon

Avignon & the Pont du Gard
Meet your professional guide at the Marseille cruise terminal and climb aboard a comfortable minivan for a private excursion to discover Avignon and the Pont du Gard. As soon as you arrive in Avignon your guide will open the doors of the Palais de Papes to you and tell you all the secrets of the Popes during their stay in Avignon in the 14th century. After the visit of the Palais des Papes you can visit the cathedral and the gardens of the Popes and you will enjoy the visit in the city center classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site before joining your minivan on the way to the Pont du Gard. Your guide opens the doors of the Pont du Gard and the architectural secrets of this aqueduct built 2000 years ago.

Price: €440

Min age: 0

Rating 4.66 / 5 [9 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Avignon

Provence, France

Exterior photo of the Palace of the Popes lit up at night

A lively medieval town bursting with art and creativity, and centrally located for sightseeing in Provence. Host of the superb Avignon Festival.

Arles

Provence, France

front view of facade at sunset

Fascinating Roman, and medieval monuments and memories of Van Gogh, plus a winsome shabby-chic charm.

Provence

Provence, France

Field of bright purple lavender in front of an old church

Gorgeous landscapes peppered with beautiful villages, sunflowers and lavender, art-filled towns, lively cultural festivals and exquisite food and wine. Provence is everything you imagined it would be.

Round-ups that include this experience