Pont du Gard history
- The Pont du Gard was built in the 1st century, around 40 to 50 years AD. It is estimated that it took around 1 000 workmen working tirelessly for 5 years to build what is now considered a true masterpiece and a perfect example of Roman ingenuity. The bridge consists of 3 vertical rows of arches, 52 in total, and is one of the most visited monuments in France and certainly a must see on your Provence cycling tour.
- The Pont du Gard was part of a 50km long aqueduct, built to provide water for the ever-expanding Roman city of Nîmes. With a peak in population of 20 000 inhabitants, the local water source was no longer sufficient in supplying drinking water, baths, gardens, and fountains. So, an aqueduct was built to fetch water from the Eure river in Uzès and carry it all the way to Nîmes.
- There were around 20 bridges to the aqueduct, but the Pont du Gard was the most impressive. It was used as an aqueduct until the 6th century, then a toll bridge in the Middle Ages and finally a road bridge from the 18th to 20th century. In 1985, the Pont du Gard became a UNESCO World heritage site.
Take the time to visit the Pont du Gard on your self-guided bike tour of Provence
- Our Provence cycling holiday via the Pont du Gard ensures that you have plenty of time to explore this incredible listed monument.
- As well as the many photo opportunities, you can visit the museum dedicated to the construction and utility of the aqueduct, with films and photos and there is also a cafeteria.
- You can also appreciate some time away from the saddle and stretch your legs, enjoying a pleasant walk along the river with the Pont du Gard as a backdrop.
Provence cycling tour: 2000 years of history still standing
- To help you understand what a true masterpiece this is, consider the following: the Gardon river that flows underneath the bridge flooded in 1998 and 2002 causing terrible damage to the surrounding area but amazingly, the Pont du Gard remained untouched, even in 2002 when the water level reached two thirds of the way up the first level of arches!
