As in ancient Rome ...

Pont du Gard

The small town Remoulin is only a few miles away from Avignon. It has gained its fame by the fact that the Romans built a water line almost 2,000 years ago. The valley of the river Gard is crossed by an three-storey aqueduct (49 meters high). This bridge is one of the best preserved Roman aqueducts.

We have been there. In 1993 when we returned from Spain, we had stopped there to visit Avignon and the Pont. We are looking forward to a reunion with this monument. A large car park with limited access we stopped for now. A slight shock we got when we read that the parking fee is 15€ , which includes admission for the monument at the same time! What the hell! Now we are here anyway. To appease us, we divide 15 by 4 = 3.75 and say, well per person it's ok, maybe.

A gigantic sight on the bridge compensated us slightly when we left the nearly empty parking lot. First of all, we are hungry and thirsty because we had not eaten in Avignon. We go to the restaurant "Les Terrasses", by which one has a beautiful view of the aqueduct. But there is only the view. To eat there is only one dish, a menu for 35, - €. This was the second shock. We order only one beer for everyone (0.25 liter for about 3 €). At first we are a little upset, however then
comforting us, that on the opposite left bank is still a restaurant. We remember when we were here 17 years ago. At that time was a real festival atmosphere here. Kiosks and small bistros supplied the visitors with Pizza, Croque Madame or Monsieur and other delicacies. Today there were hardly any people here compared to back then.

On the first level
you can cross the bridge

We cross the bridge on the lower floor, below us the clear water of the Gard, in front of us the 2000 years old, still solid masonry from the Roman period. The stones weigh up to 61 tons . About 20,000 cubic meters of water flowed daily through the water line from Uzès to Nimes at the top level of the bridge.

On the other side a path leads to a cafeteria where there are indeed a few more dishes, but also to outrageous prices.

Very impressive are age-old olive trees, some of which were brought from Spain and "transplanted". The oldest is over 1000 years old.

Old trees and young girls

Then we climbed a steep trail to the right of the bridge on top, as we now want to cross the bridge on the top level, just as we did 17 years ago already. A Japanese tour group is in front of the entrance of the bridge and could be explained historical details.When they are finished, the door is opened to the bridge, and the Japanese pour into the narrow passage. We want to join them, but are rejected. Only for registered guests, they say. Another point that our anger intensified!

Summary of the day: There, where we liked it you go not again. You will be disappointed.