Visiting the Pont du Gard: information, prices and advice

The Pont du Gard is an impressive work of architecture dating back to ancient times. Today, it is one of the most popular attractions in this part of the region. If you’d like to visit it, or if you’re planning a stay in the area, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll tell you all you need to know about this iconic site, the attractions it has to offer, and much more.

The Pont du Gard in a nutshell

The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct built in ancient times. Although it looks monumental on its own, it is in fact only a small part of a superstructure that stretches for more than 50 km, from Uzès to Nîmes. It was built to supply the water needs of the capital of the Augustan colony.

The colony was established in the region in the 1st century AD. The aqueduct was designed by the Roman Empire’s renowned engineers, despite the thick scrubland and numerous ditches. These same constraints forced them to design numerous tunnels and bridges.

Today, the Pont du Gard is the most important vestige of the original aqueduct. It has 49 arches, is 275 metres long and 49 metres high. Still standing after several centuries, it was designed to withstand the Gardon’s particularly ferocious flooding.

Today, the Pont du Gard enjoys an enviable reputation throughout France. The site has been completely refurbished to welcome the public and allow them to appreciate the beauty of the edifice. There’s a museum with a range of exhibitions, a media library, children’s play areas and much more.

Note: since 1985, the Pont du Gard has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Must-sees at the Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is a vast site comprising a number of different areas. To discover the site in its entirety, don’t hesitate to explore them all. Here’s a brief description:

1. The bridge

A visit to the bridge is an absolute must when exploring the site. It’s a guided tour that takes visitors on a journey of discovery of this spectacular masterpiece.

2. The museum

The Pont du Gard museum is a wonderful place to discover. It’s also the largest interpretation centre in France dealing with the multidisciplinary genius of Rome. You’ll discover models, reconstructions and much more, all in an immersive setting.

3. La Ludo

This is an ideal museum space offering educational activities for 5-12 year olds.

4. The cinema

From documentaries to fiction, don’t hesitate to discover the Pont du Gard cinema.

5. Temporary exhibitions

Each year, the site hosts a temporary exhibition on a specific theme. The theme may be artistic, historical or scientific.

6. The walking trails

There are many footpaths available on the Pont du Gard site. They are a great way for nature lovers to discover the site and the region. These include “Les mémoires de Garrigues”, an open-air trail taking in the history of the Mediterranean landscape, the remains of the Roman aqueduct and the local produce.

7. The river

Every summer, the banks of the river are transformed into a beach. It offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Pont du Gard and is a must-do activity during a visit to the area.

8. The souvenir shop

To round off your visit in style, don’t hesitate to visit the site’s souvenir shop. You’ll find some very nice items to take back with you from this unforgettable trip.

How much does an entrance ticket to the Pont du Gard cost?

The Pont du Gard site is one of the many French monuments to have an accessible pricing policy. The aim is to make this cultural site accessible to as many people as possible. Admission tickets entitle the holder to use all the site’s services, including access to all the areas and the car park.

Here is an overview of the Pont du Gard price list:

Access to the discovery areas (museum, cinema, games area, temporary exhibition):

• Adult rate: €6.50/person
• Reduced rate: €5/person
• FREE: under-18s, students, disabled people and one accompanying adult.

Guided tours are available for a fee. Here are the prices:

• Adult rate: €15/person
• Reduced rate : 13€/person
• Children (under 18): €6/person

Please note that tickets can be purchased online by clicking here (https://billetterie.pontdugard.fr/fr-FR/individuels), or directly at the venue.

When is the Pont du Gard open?

The Pont du Gard site is open all year round. This includes all the discovery areas and shops. However, opening times vary according to the season. The opening times are as follows:

• 9am – 8pm from January to March
• 9am – 9pm from April to May
• 9am – 10pm in June
• 9.00am – 12.00am in July and August
• 9am – 10pm in September
• 9am – 9pm October to November
• 9am – 8pm in December

Please note that the ticket office closes 30 minutes before the spaces close. Visiting time is estimated at around 1 hour. It is therefore strongly recommended that you arrive at least 1 hour before the venue closes, so that you can make the most of your visit.

Further information

Interactive online map :

Enjoy an interactive tour using the Pont du Gard application by clicking here (https://www.pontdugardtour.fr/fr).

Restaurants :

There are a number of restaurants where visitors can have lunch during their visit to the Pont du Gard. These include the restaurants “Les Terrasses” for gourmets, and “Le Bistro” for a quick lunch.

In conclusion:

You now have all the information you need to make the most of your visit to the Pont du Gard. For any further information, or to find out about the site’s cultural programme, go directly to the official website by clicking here(https://www.pontdugard.fr/fr).