Pont du Gard
15 km from Uzès — the most spectacular Roman monument in France
The Pont du Gard is one of the world's finest Roman monuments — a three-tiered aqueduct bridge standing 49 metres above the Gardon river, built nearly 2,000 years ago without mortar. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the most visited ancient monument in France after the Louvre.
What makes the visit especially meaningful from Uzès is the extraordinary historical connection between the two: the Pont du Gard is the centrepiece of a 50 km Roman aqueduct built to carry water from the Eure spring — which still flows at the foot of Uzès — all the way to the Roman city of Nîmes. Standing on the bridge, you are literally looking at water infrastructure that served the town you just visited.
🏛️ The Roman connection: Uzès to Nîmes
In the 1st century AD, Roman engineers faced a formidable challenge: the city of Nîmes needed a reliable water supply, and the closest suitable spring was at Uzès, 50 km away. The solution was the Nîmes aqueduct — one of the longest and most technically precise aqueducts ever built.
What to see at the Pont du Gard
The bridge itself
Walk along the lower arch of the bridge (the road bridge level), which is free to access at any time. The view from the bridge looking upstream — with the three tiers of arches rising above you — is breathtaking. The stones, fitted without mortar, weigh up to 6 tonnes each.
The upper aqueduct channel
The narrow water channel runs along the top tier (topmost level). Guided tours allow access to this level with extraordinary views. Check the on-site schedule for tour times.
Musée de l'eau (Museum of Water)
The on-site museum (included in ticket price) traces the history of the aqueduct, Roman engineering, and the water cycle through interactive exhibits. Allow 45–60 minutes. Excellent for families with children.
The riverside beach (summer)
Below the bridge, the Gardon river has a supervised swimming area with clear, refreshing water. In summer, this is one of the most spectacular natural swimming spots in France — directly under the arches of a 2,000-year-old Roman monument. Bring a towel.
Ludo — discovery space for children
A dedicated interactive space for children and families, with activities related to Roman construction, water and the aqueduct. Included in the ticket. Very popular with younger visitors.
Practical information
🎫 Tickets & hours
- Adult ticket: ~€9 (includes museum + Ludo)
- Under 18: Free
- Parking: ~€8 per vehicle
- Hours: 9am–8pm (summer), shorter in winter. Check pontdugard.fr.
- Tip: Book online to skip the entrance queue in summer.
🚗 Getting there from Uzès
- By car: D981 south from Uzès. 15 km, ~20 min. Follow signs to "Pont du Gard".
- By bicycle: ~45 min via dedicated cycling routes. Suitable for fit riders.
- On foot (hiking): The historic aqueduct trail from Uzès takes ~4 hours (14 km). See our walks guide.
- By taxi: ~€25–30 one way from Uzès.
🏊 Swimming tips
- Season: Swimming area open June–September.
- Best time: Arrive before 11am on summer weekends.
- What to bring: Towel, sunscreen, picnic, and drinking water.
- Note: Swimming is only permitted in the designated supervised area.
🌡️ Best time to visit
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Ideal. Mild, fewer crowds, river still flowing.
- Summer (Jul–Aug): Swimming season. Very busy. Arrive early or at 6pm.
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): Excellent — warm enough to swim in early autumn, crowds gone.
- Winter: Atmospheric and quiet — but no swimming and some facilities closed.
Uzès + Pont du Gard: the perfect day
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Pont du Gard from Uzès?
What is the link between Uzès and the Pont du Gard?
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