Monday 9th October
Sunday was a lazy day catching up with those dreaded domestic chores and ‘chilling’. Late in the afternoon we took at stroll along the River Rhône to the barrage de Vallabréques. A huge hydroelectric power station commissioned in 1970. A round trip of 8kms.
Monday, and on our itinerary today was the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Ray had been here on a previous motorbike trip, but his visit was all too short and he had always wanted to return.
The Pont was northwest from our campsite and only a 30 minute drive. It is situated on the Gare/Gardon River, near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard.
We arrived around midday and were surprised to find it pleasantly quiet. We purchased a ticket for the Pont and access to the museum, cinema, exhibitions and other areas. We chose not to pay extra to take a guided tour of the open canal at the top of the aqueduct, as it was much later in the day. (We did find out, that if you walk to the site, you will be able to enjoy the Pont for free!).
The centrepiece of the Nîmes aqueduct, the Pont du Gard, is the highest aqueduct bridge from Roman times which is still standing. It is mighty impressive and awe inspiring. It is built on 3 levels and spans the River.
When we walked down to the rivers edge we were able to admire it’s size and engineering. It really is quite mind blowing! As we walked to view the bridge from the other side, we discovered a path leading to a couple of viewing points. Although it was quite a steep climb to the very top, once there, we were afforded a stunning alternative view of this spectacle.
The view back down the river, a favourite spot for canoeing or kayaking.
Our attempt at a ‘selfie’ with Ray’s camera.
After numerous photo opportunities we headed off for a well deserved spot of lunch, before visiting the museum. On the way there was an opportunity to take in the Mémoires de Garrigue. This is an hour and a half walk across 1.4 km of trails, taking you through the history of Mediterranean agriculture,but we declined, as by now it was extremely hot!
The museum was very informative, despite our initial preconceptions. There was lots of historical information, including brilliant life size models of the aqueduct construction, with added sound effects! Well worth a visit.
As we headed back towards the car park, we were pleased that we had avoided the large crowds that were now amassing from the tourist buses. The Pont is open all year round and until 6 pm in October. In July and August it is open until 11.30 pm!