A Day at Pont du Gard and Nimes

My second full day in the Avignon area was dedicated to seeing the very large Roman aqueduct/bridge over the Gard River - Pont du Gard - 45 minutes away by a local bus that stops in many villages along the way and returning by way of Nimes, another city with Roman amphitheater and forum. It was also the recipient of the water from the aqueduct.

I thought I would see the huge aqueduct from the road but had to walk quite a distance from where the public bus left us off. Following Rick Steves' advice, I found 4 "friends" among the other sightseers from the bus - 2 Japanese couples who didn't know each other - and we entered for 15 euros for all 5 instead of 10 euros apiece. Thanks, Rick!

It's hard to imagine how huge the aqueduct is - second in height for existing Roman structures, the collusium in Rome is just 6 feet higher than Pont du Gard. There were many locals there with children and bathing suits, renting canoes and swimming in the river. I splurged and had lunch at the outdoor restaurant with views of the Pont, though the strong winds threatened to blow away the paper table mat. The fish plate was so beautifully arranged I took a picture, but notice I strategically placed the glass and salt & pepper shakers to hold down the placemat.

In Nimes even the train station looked like it had been a Roman or medieval structure. The amphitheater is used for many spectacles but particularly bullfights. There is also a well- preserved Roman temple called Maison Carree. The center of the city is an interesting mix of old and new, with some wide pedestrian-only boulevards with water features that the children were playing in.

I finished a wonderful day at a nice restaurant in the old part of Avignon with my host Paula.