Rising 49 metres over the river Gardon on three tiers of arches, the Pont du Gard is the first outing I suggest to holiday guests near Castillon-du-Gard who want a day they will remember. It is the tallest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world and dates from the 1st century. The aqueduct once carried water for more than 50 km, from Uzès to Nîmes. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is the most visited ancient monument in France.
The site sits in 165 hectares of protected Mediterranean landscape, 21 km from Avignon and 27 km from Nîmes. It is entirely pedestrian, and walking or cycling in costs nothing; car parking, the cultural spaces, guided tours and workshops are charged. Inside you will find a museum, a cinema, the Ludo play area, the Mémoires de Garrigue trail and temporary exhibitions. A guided tour takes you up to the top level, where the view across the site is well worth the climb.
In July and August, a sound and light show illuminates the arches every evening from sunset. In the school holidays, family workshops explore Roman mosaics, oil lamps, laurel wreaths, ancient recipes and protective amulets.
For food, there is the Bistro, Les Terrasses facing the monument, and Les petites terrasses. The shops on both banks sell regional products, clothing and souvenirs. If you are travelling with children, I would pack a picnic and spend some time beside the water. The site is open every day from 8:00 to midnight.
