This prestigious monument is located in the magnificent setting of the end of the Gardon gorges.

A magical site drawing its power from the strength of the elements present, limestone rocky outcrops, water and Mediterranean vegetation.

The Pont du Gard site is a water crossroads: where the aqueduct that snakes through the dense green countryside surges out onto the Pont du Gard to cross the Gardon river leaving the its gorges and heading down the plains to flow into the Rhone.

» The Garrigue

One side of the river has a local scrub type vegetation known as garrigue, characterised by evergreen oak trees, low dense bushes, herbs and stone walled agricultural land.

Agricultural use of this limestone based land has led to it being cut into a multitude of small parcels, lined with stone walls.

These parcels bear witness to the work of smallholders who have constantly strived over the centuries to make this land fertile.

Today, these parcels, huddled around the aqueduct are used for the classic Mediterranean produce of grapes, cereals and olives.

The sectors that had been abandoned have been restored and the stone walls and huts have remerged from the undergrowth.


» On the water's edge

On the other side of the river water has been more plentiful and huge plane trees line the
alluvial plain and shady woods are dominated by small cliffs.

The river banks were greatly modified though in Autumn 2002.

The river Gardon flooded and ripped away most of the vegetation along its banks, clearing all the natural and mineral elements in its path.

This is why there are white, eroded limestone rocks that appear to be high above the water level and large expanses of gravel and loam further downstream from the bridge.