A magnificent combination day — start at the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct (swim in the Gardon River in summer), then drive 25 km to Nîmes for the Roman amphitheatre (Les Arènes) and the Maison Carrée temple, a late lunch at a Nîmes brasserie, and the Musée de la Romanité. One of France's best value day trips in terms of the quality of historic sites visited.
The Pont du Gard and Nîmes together make one of the finest Roman-heritage day trips in Europe, both sites accessible from Montpellier within an hour. The Pont du Gard, completed around 50 CE, is a three-tiered aqueduct bridge that once carried water 50 km from the Uzès springs to Nîmes; at 49 metres height it remains the tallest Roman aqueduct bridge in existence and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies 55 km northwest of Montpellier with no direct public transport — a car or organised tour is required for this leg. The most practical approach is to drive to Pont du Gard first, arriving by 9:00 when the site opens. The rive gauche (left bank) car park at €9.50 per vehicle includes one adult site entry. The museum on the left bank covers the engineering of the Roman aqueduct system in detail; allow 60–90 minutes for the site and museum combined. Swimming in the Gardon River below the bridge is permitted in designated areas from late June, and on hot days the turquoise water below the aqueduct provides a spectacular natural pool. After the Pont du Gard, drive 25 km east into Nîmes for the Roman amphitheatre (Les Arènes), one of the best-preserved in the Roman world with 24,000 seats still largely intact. Entry is €10 adults, or €13 combined with the Maison Carrée — a single rectangular Roman temple of around 20 BCE in near-perfect condition, one of the most complete Roman temples surviving anywhere. Lunch around the Place aux Herbes costs €15–22 for a two-course menu. The Musée de la Romanité beside the Arènes, opened in 2018, houses an excellent collection of Roman mosaics and artefacts and is quieter than the amphitheatre itself. The return to Montpellier from Nîmes Gare by TER takes 30 minutes.
Highlights
- Pont du Gard aqueduct
- Les Arènes de Nîmes
- Maison Carrée Roman temple
- Swimming in the Gardon River (summer)
Tips for visiting
- No direct public transport serves Pont du Gard from Montpellier — a rental car or guided day tour is required for this leg.
- The rive gauche (left bank) car park at €9.50 includes one adult site entry — the most cost-effective way to pay for access.
- Buy the combined Arènes de Nîmes and Maison Carrée ticket at €13 rather than separate tickets totalling €16.
- Leave the car in Nîmes and return to Montpellier by TER train (30 min, €8–12) to avoid evening motorway traffic.
- The Pont du Gard site is quietest before 10:30; arriving at opening (9:00) gives the best photography light and minimal crowds.
When to visit
April to June and September are ideal — mild temperatures and reduced crowds at the aqueduct. July and August are hot (35°C+) but offer river swimming at the Pont du Gard; Nîmes holds its major festivals, including the Feria de Nîmes, in May and September.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Pont du Gard without a car?
No direct public transport runs from Montpellier. Options include renting a car, booking a guided day trip from Montpellier or Nîmes, or cycling from Remoulins (4 km). A summer-only bus service (Bus 168) runs from Nîmes.
Is swimming allowed at the Pont du Gard?
Swimming is permitted in the Gardon River in designated areas on both banks, typically from late June to early September depending on water levels. The site authority publishes a weekly water-quality bulletin in summer.
How long does the Arènes de Nîmes visit take?
A self-guided visit with audio guide takes 60–90 minutes. The adjacent Musée de la Romanité adds a further 60–90 minutes and is quieter than the amphitheatre itself.
Is there a combined ticket for Pont du Gard and the Nîmes Roman sites?
No single pass covers both. Pont du Gard charges separately (parking fee includes one entry), while Nîmes offers its own combined ticket for the Arènes and Maison Carrée at €13.