We stayed at a camping car park which is located about 1 mile away from the Pont du Gard which made it really convenient for us. The aire cost 9 euros 60 for the night inclusive.
We drove down in the morning to Pont du Gard where there is plenty of parking. Entrance into this UNESCO World Heritage site is 9 euro 50 per person including parking. You can take dogs with you but they must be kept on a lead.
The Pont du Gard has three tiers of arches and it stands at 48.8 m (160 ft) high. Amazingly it descends a mere 2.5 centimetres (1 in) – a gradient of only 1 in 18,241. This is indicative of the great precision that the Roman engineers were able to achieve using simple technology.
The aqueduct formerly carried an estimated 40,000 m3 of water a day to the fountains, baths and homes of the citizens of Nîmes. It may have been in use as late as the 6th century, with some parts used for significantly longer, but a lack of maintenance after the 4th century led to clogging by mineral deposits and debris that eventually stopped the flow of water.
After the Roman Empire collapsed and the aqueduct fell into disuse, the Pont du Gard remained largely intact due to the importance of its secondary function as a toll bridge. For centuries the local lords and bishops were responsible for its upkeep, in exchange for the right to levy tolls on travellers using it to cross the river. Over time, some of its stone blocks were looted, and serious damage was inflicted on it in the 17th century. It attracted increasing attention starting in the 18th century, and soon became an important tourist destination.
It underwent a series of renovations between the 18th and 21st centuries, commissioned by the local authorities and the French state, which culminated in 2000 with the opening of a new visitor centre and the removal of traffic and buildings from the bridge and the area immediately around it.
The old mill was built in 1865 and located on the bank of the river. It was originally a flour mill but in 1933 it was turned into a Michelin starred hostel until it was then requisitioned by the Germans during the Second World War. In the 1980’s it became a three star hotel.
There is plenty to see and do at Pont du Gard from just walking around and enjoying the landscape to visiting the museum or the botanic garden.
