The Pont du Gard is a breathtaking 1st-century Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon River near Remoulins, standing 49 m high on three tiers of arches. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built without mortar and carried water 50 km from Uzès to Nîmes. The surrounding park offers swimming in the river, kayaking, and a first-rate museum on Roman engineering.
The Pont du Gard stands in the garrigue countryside near Remoulins as one of antiquity's most breathtaking surviving structures — a three-tiered Roman aqueduct bridge spanning the Gardon River, rising 49 metres and stretching 275 metres in length. Built around 50 AD without mortar, using precisely cut limestone blocks weighing up to six tonnes each, it formed part of a 50 km aqueduct system carrying water from springs at Uzès to the Roman city of Nîmes in what is now the Occitanie region of southern France. The lowest tier, now a pedestrian bridge, can be crossed on foot for close inspection of the massive stone coursework; the middle tier is closed, but the upper aqueduct channel — only 34 cm wide, just large enough for its water flow — is visible from designated walkways during guided visits. The adjacent museum, Musée de Site, is first-rate: interactive exhibits reconstruct the engineering calculations, the quarrying process, and daily life in Roman Nîmes. The surrounding park encompasses both banks of the Gardon River, where in summer visitors swim, kayak, and canoe in the clear river directly beneath the arches — one of the most memorable picnic and swimming spots in southern France. Sunrise visits reward early risers with pink-tinted stone and complete solitude; parking and café facilities make mid-morning comfortable. A standard visit of two to three hours covers the bridge, museum, and one riverbank walk, but allowing a full half-day with a swim is highly recommended from June to September.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open daily 24h (site); Museum 9AM–7PM
- Best time
- sunrise
- Best for
- history lovers, photographers, families
Location
400 Route du Pont du Gard, 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France
43.9471, 4.5357 View on map
Highlights
- Three tiers of Roman arches rising 49 m — the tallest surviving Roman aqueduct structure
- Walk across the lowest tier for close-up views of the un-mortared stone engineering
- Musée de Site: interactive museum on Roman aqueduct construction and Nîmes water supply
- Swimming and kayaking in the Gardon River directly beneath the arches
- Sunrise light on the pale limestone — best photography before 8AM
Tips for visiting
- Swim in the Gardon River beneath the aqueduct in summer
- Arrive early to secure parking and see it in golden morning light
When to visit
Early morning before 9AM offers the best photography light and the fewest visitors. July and August are very busy; May, June, September, and October offer a better experience with warm enough weather for the river.
Accessibility
The lower bridge tier is accessible via a level path from both car parks, and the riverside walking paths are paved and wheelchair-friendly. The museum is fully accessible. The upper aqueduct channel walk involves steps and is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Pont du Gard take?
Two to three hours covers the bridge walk and museum. Allowing a full half-day is ideal if combining with a swim in the Gardon River in summer.
Is there a fee to see the Pont du Gard?
Parking costs €9 per car and includes access to the site and the museum. The bridge itself is accessible once inside the paid perimeter; there is no separate bridge entry fee.
Is the Pont du Gard suitable for families with young children?
Yes — the river swimming, kayak rentals, and hands-on museum exhibits make it excellent for families. Young children should be supervised on the lower bridge tier where barriers are minimal.