Avignon to Pont du Gard and Uzes: Private day trip

In the 1st century AD, the burgeoning city of Nemausus (modern day Nîmes) was facing a growing water shortage, so the Romans had to build an aqueduct from Fontaine d'Eure 20 km away. The result was a winding, 50km long structure that descended 2.5 cm in 456 m, with variations in the slope because a constant gradient would have required the Pont du Gard be higher than they could feasibly build it. It served as an aqueduct until the 6th century before becoming a tollgate in the Middle Ages, and was used as a bridge from the 18th to 20th century. A massive project in started in 2000 cleared any construction from the surrounding area, putting the Pont du Gard back in its original setting. Along with seeing the monument, visitors also have access to a museum covering the aqueduct’s construction, and several other exhibitions relating to the area’s history. Before booking your visit, please check the site’s hours at http://www.pontdugard.fr/en/practical-information