Pont du Gard: A Hidden Gem in Southern France

📍Pont du Gard Finally, I made it to the renowned Pont du Gard! After spending the morning exploring the Roman Museum in Nîmes, which I missed the previous day, I took a bus from the train station at noon to reach Pont du Gard. Initially, I planned to spend just over an hour there, but the ancient Roman aqueduct unfolded before me like a historical film reel, with its simple yet captivating scenery. I couldn’t help but linger longer, and I was fortunate enough to witness the sunset casting its golden glow over the bridge. ✨A Masterpiece of Ancient Roman Architecture: The Pont du Gard is remarkably well-preserved today, thanks to numerous restoration efforts by the French government. Beyond that, the ingenuity of the Roman architects is evident. The three-tiered aqueduct features arches on the lowest level with a wide span, strategically placed to cross the water at points where rocks are present on both sides, minimizing erosion caused by the water. During summer, the water level is likely higher, but the upstream side of the piers is equipped with triangular cutwaters to reduce the impact of floods on the bridge. 🚃 Getting There: You can take the 121 bus from Nîmes for a day trip. Note that Sunday schedules are limited, so it’s recommended to check the bus timings in advance using the Lio app. From Nîmes, you can get off at VERS-PONT-DU-GARD - Rond Point Pont du Gard and walk about 15 minutes, or alight at a nearby small town and walk approximately 30 minutes.