Main Provence Page

Avignon

Arles


Aix-en-Provence

Luberon,Cavaillon

Saint-Remy,Glanum

Baux de Provence

Alpilles itinerary

Dentelles Montmirail-Gigondas-Sablet Seguret

Vaison la Romaine

Provence-Pont du Gard (click on thumbnails)

Mont Ventoux


Bedoin-Beaumes de Venise


Carpentras

Pernes-Fontaines

Isle-sur-Sorgue


Fontaine de Vaucluse


Tarascon


Pont du Gard


Montmajour
 abbey

Camargue

From Tarascon you can join along the D 986, the viaduct of PONT DU GARD with its many arches over the river Gard. Everybody knows the site, mostly only from pictures and reproductions. But you have to see it with your own eyes to realize the majesty of this Roman masterwork of architecture in its real size and to feel the height of its 49 meters. Impressive dimensions! The 2000 years old viaduct was built under Agrippa, a field marshal of emperor Augustus in 19 BC. This extraordinary building is not to compare to our actual water systems ;-). But it could provide the needed water in those days a city like Nimes, 50 km away. Let’s say roughly a 20 million litres a day. The stones with which it was built weigh tons and are put one on the other without cement. The golden colour of the old stones, amidst the rocks, the streaming water and wild nature inspired a lot of artists, painters and photographers. The Roman architects tried to vary on each level the structure of the arches. After a neglect of several centuries the aqueduct became unusable from the 9th century on. It was only restored in the 18th century. Today you can walk on three levels over the 275 meters long bridge over the Gard. At least if you don’t suffer from vertigo. If you want to look at the aqueduct from below, you can hire a kayak. Or take the small path under the bridge to the small castle of Saint-Privat. You have a stunning view on the bridge. And from the south end of the bridge a rocky path leads upwards to another fantastic viewpoint.
You may even swim in the Gard, on both sides of the bridge or take a footbath in the not deep water.  You pay for your parking and attention! Think about closing your car, several incidents have been reported at this spot.

Bibliography

"La Provence et le Comtat Venaisin, Arts et Traditions Populaires", by B.Fernand (Aubanel, Avignon 1992), "Guide de la Provence mysterieuse" by Jean-Paul Clebert (Ed.Sand, 1986), "Guide du Routard Provence 1998 (Ed.Hachette), "Provence", by Jacques-Louis Delpal (ed.Natahn Paris 1987), "A guide to Provence", by Michael Jacobs (ed;Viking, London 1988)-« Les Romains en Provence » by J. de Ferrière (ed.du Sud   1996)