The writing competition is aimed at being both fun and educational and is open to 12 year old students in the south of France (Montpellier, Aix-Marseille et Nice).

This year was the fourth edition of the competition that took place in Spring 2004.

» Mysteries of the Pont du Gard

The principle is the same as for the previous editions: an author (Jean-Bernard Pouy in 2002, Serge Dounovetz in 2003), writes the beginning of a story for which the plot must take place at or around the Pont du Gard.

» How the competition works

The 2004 lead writer was Gerardo Lambertoni, who has written several crime thrillers.
Competitors write their books, within the framework of the competition regulations, using texts presenting the site, photos and maps of the monument.

The entries are submitted to the nine members of the jury who meet in May to allocate three prizes that are presented in June at a special, festive ceremony on the site.
Out of  some twenty entries, the jury this year elected the three following novels:

1st prize: “Sara and the counterfeiters”, Class 5 at the Vallée du Gapeau College, Solliès Pont (83 Var)

2nd prize: “Dangerous collection”, Class 8 at henri Bosco College, Vitrolles (13 Bouches du Rhône)

3rd prize: “Eu(ro)phoric grandpa”, Class 7 Jacques-Yves Cousteau College, La Garde (84 Vaucluse)

Writer's special mention:
“One bridge may hide another”, Class 7 Jean Bouin College, Isle sur Sorgue (84 Vaucluse)