Day 44 Pont du Gard

Pont du Gard

It's a bit tricky to get to Pont du Gard from Montpellier by public transport (it's easily done from Nimes or Avignon) so Barb had to face another drive in the car, something she's not keen on at home in Queensland, let alone on the "wrong" side of the road in France. It's been quite complicated - freaking scary! - driving through Montpellier in particular, with its one way streets, multiple street closures and detours and TRAMS! 

To be fair, John has done a magnificent job (naturally) of getting us to where we need to go without accident so far. He came up with the brilliant plan (er, not so much brilliant as it dawned on me gradually!) of using Android Auto to send Google maps on his phone to the screen on our hire car. Bingo! Suddenly it is so much easier to get around when you can see what Ms Google is going on about.

WooHoo! That's the way to do it!

Barb is smiling with relief when we reach Pon du Gard, unscathed

Pont du Gard is an amazing structure and a remarkable feat of engineering for the Roman's. It was built back in the 1st Century AD for the express purpose of carrying water into Nimes. It's a triple layer of arches across the river ... the lower level was  re-built/repaired in 1855 by Napolean III. (at least his minions did it!)

The first view as you round the corner from the visitor centre and carpark is breath-taking!

Amazing view!

Oh yeah .... that's the ticket!
(The bridge isn't bad either)

The wild flowers are so pretty too!

We love these avenues of shady trees

Time for a bite to eat before tackling the bridge walk

It's hot here today so even John has a coke instead of an espresso

This cave near the bridge supposedly has stone age history (no rock art though)

We walked right underneath it first

It's massively big close up!

Walking on these uneven rocks is exactly what Dr Mack (Barb's
rheumatologist) told her she should NOT be doing! Oops!

Sorry Dr Mack .... Barb has spotted kayakers on the river and
she's off for a closer look clambering over more rocks

There's the kayakers (and lots of people swimming too)

It's an even better view from up on the bridge

Lots of school groups on the bridge today

There's a path leading up up up to another viewing point on the other side

John is miffed to discover that the gate to the upper level is locked.
Only accessible by special permission and with a tour group.

Never mind, it's time to sit in the shade with some cold fizzy water before driving home

The access road to the Pont du Gard is lined with trees and is very picturesque

The drive home was also achieved with minimal stress. Hooray for Google maps you can look at!