Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is the major tourist attraction near Uzès.

The following key points are taken from the Pont du Gard website:

The Pont du Gard is a Roman monument built halfway through the 1st century AD. It is the principal construction in a 50 km long aqueduct that supplied the city of Nîmes with water.

Built as a three-level aqueduct standing 50 m high, it allowed water to flow across the Gardon river.

In designing this three-storey bridge, which measures 360 m at its longest point along the top, the Roman architects and hydraulic engineers created a technical masterpiece that stands today as a work of art.

As a result of numerous scientific studies, we now know that an impressive volume of rock was needed to complete the construction, over 21,000 cubic metres of rock, weighing 50,400 tonnes! Moreover, archaeologists also uncovered evidence of how well organized the project was. They found numbering on the stones, points of support for scaffolding, and evidence of the use of hoists.

This amazing piece of ancient history is just a 15 minute drive from Uzès, with springs in the Eure Valley (immediately alongside Uzès) being the water source for the aqueduct.

We have all visited it now, with various combinations of visiting friends and family, and Andrew is a veteran of three visits to date (after purchasing a "Friends of the Pont Du Gard" annual membership).

It certainly is impressive to see up close, and we have had several discussions as to its scientific and engineering merit versus other historic structures, such as the pyramids of Giza.  The pyramids probably win in terms of engineering grunt and the additional age (5000 years old versus 2000), but the Pont du Gard wins on scientific excellence (multi-level arch structures, surveying precision) and design elegance.

Like most people, we have only crossed the Pont on the walkway atop the first arched structure.  We did once note a school group traversing the aqueduct on the top layer, however this required a guide with a key to open a locked security gate.  While traversing the primary walkway, it is fascinating to note the names and dates carved into the stone, many of which remain in good condition.  Most seem to date from the 1800s, although some older specimens can be seen.

On our latest visit we discovered tadpoles and baby frogs in the shallow waters on the edge of the Gardon River.  William was delighted with this and proceeded to spend over half an hour collecting frogs, and managing to hold eight in his hands at once.  Sometimes Roman excellence can’t compete with simple pleasures like catching small amphibians.

  

Although tempted by both prospects, we are yet to go for a swim or to canoe the Gardon from Collias to the Pont du Gard, like those in the photograph below.