In the first century AD the roman citizens of Nemausus (present day Nîmes) needed lots of fresh water to drink, bath and operate their fountains. They found it at la Fontaine de l'Eure near Uzès.

A mainly underground aquaduct was build with a lenght of 50 km and a total drop of 17 meters. It supplied 2.5 m3 per second to the always thirsty town. 

 

A major challenge was crossing the gorge of the Gardon river near present day Remoulins.  Here they build a three layered bridge, the Pont du Gard.

It's 49 m high and 360 m long with a drop of only 2.5 cm. The largest span width is 25 meters.

 

The stones came from a nearby limestone quarry and were individually cut to fit.

It is a dry wall construction so no morter was used, gravity and fricton provide sufficient strenght, even after 2000 years.

In the 18th century a major renovation was conducted and a bridge was added alongside the lower level.

 

The pont du Gard is a prime example of solid roman engineering.

 

We first visited the Pont in March 2015.