Pont du Gard Aqueduc – a Remarkable Testimony to Provence’s Rich Roman Past

Pont du Gard Aqueduc (Pont Gard Aqueduct) definitely did not disappoint! We arrived on Easter Sunday and it seemed as though all of Provence had gathered there. The Pâques au Pont  festival takes place every Easter weekend. Described by the Uzès/Pont-du-Gard site as street art in the country, activities were available for every age group. More on that later.

Picnicking at the Pont du Gard Aqueduc

With each of us porting something necessary for our picnic by the river, we wound our way along the path, through the festival activities and on beyond until the Pont du Gard loomed in front of us. Breathtaking!

 

 

I could never tire of taking photos from various angles of this magnificent structure. However, not everyone may be that enamored with  the views as I was so I’ll try not to go overboard on photos!

 

With this view, you see our backdrop for our Sunday afternoon picnic.

 

 

To reach this vantage point, we walked across the aqueduct on the level just above the bottom row of arches.

The water was shallow enough along the bank to wade safely with young children and further out deep enough for the canoes.

 

 

Later, we enjoyed ice cream before heading out to explore the festival.

 

 

The views of the Pont du Gard aqueduc  from here were just as incredible as those from the river.

 

What a surprise! I wish I knew the backstory to this lively band we met crossing the Pont-du-Gard! As for marching formation, there was none. They marched and played, stopped and entertained with more music and antics and then continued on across the bridge.

 

Street Art Festival in the Countryside at Pont-du-Gard Aqueduc.

Heritage, crafts, food representing the terroir, and activities abound at this festival which sprawled through the countryside between the parking area and the Pont du Gard.

The open-air market was surrounded by tables with people enjoying a cold drink, most often a glass of wine, or beer. We purchased local honey, sampled every type of cheese, wine, truffles and sausage that was on offer and made our treasured purchases to enjoy back at the gîte.

 

So much fun for the children

This parent-powered carousel was so much fun and reminded me of the Jules Vernes creations in Nantes.

 

There was also a fantastic face painting tent with intricate designs for the little ones to choose from. Parents began the painting process but two women finished the designs with glitzy gold and silver paints.

 

 

This festival is an annual affair and I highly recommend it for a family day out!

However, if you arrive at Pont du Gard aqueduc at any other point in the year, do plan to spend the day as there are so many things to see and do. There are hiking paths to explore that will take you well above the three level 50 meter tall aqueduct.

This article on the UNCESCO World Heritage site is an excellent read on the history of Pont du Gard. Did you know that this 50km long aqueduct carried water from a spring at Uzès to the Roman colony in Nimes?

Pont-du-Gard Aqueduc is easy to find, mid-way between Uzès and Avignon

Whether you picnic, wade in the river or climb the paths above the aqueduct for fabulous views, you are sure to make incredible memories! And, as the map shows, it is easy to find, mid-way between Uzès and Avignon.