Constructed by the Romans in 50AD, the Pont du Gard constitutes the most prestigious vestige of Nîmes' antique aqueduct. At the peak of its growth period, the town had phenomenal requirements in terms of running water. This distribution tank, dug into the rock, supplied baths, fountains, gardens and private homes in the various neighbourhoods of the antique city.
Water was drawn from the Eure spring at the foot of the town of Uzès. Along the 50km route, scientists have found traces of works of art constructed using the same techniques as the Pont du Gard. It took fifteen years to construct the aqueduct and approximately five years for the bridge. The Pont du Gard is the highest Roman bridge/aqueduct. It comprises three superimposed bridges. Its central arch straddles the Gardon. It could supply 35,000m3 of water per day. Built from local stone from the Estel quarry, the bridge bears witness to the phenomenal mastery of Roman engineers and seems to be the work of local people. Poorly maintained and suffering from lime scale deposits, the aqueduct was abandoned at the beginning of the 6th century. Much later, the 'Compagnons du Tour de France', construction journeymen, adopted the tradition of paying tribute to the bridge's architecture by engraving their trademark on it.
The Pont du Gard has always aroused fascination. Artists have captured it in different epochs.
Recent modifications encourage visitors to delve into the monument's history and outstanding natural environment.
Every summer, a huge show brings the bridge to life once night falls, harnessing the emotion and magic of artistic performances to stimulate the visitor's imagination still further.
Bonus : La Roque-sur-Cèze, Cascades du Sautadet, Aiguèze.
Sections du film
Castellum Aquae à Nîmes
Source d’Eure
Uzès
Gardon
Pont du Gard
Canalisation
Carrière de l’Estel
Marques de compagnons
Mémoires de Garrigue
Musée
Ludo
Ciné
Médiathèque
Spectacle Groupe F
6 audio versions : ENGLISH, FRENCH, OCCITAN, DEUTSCH, ITALIANO, ESPANOL.
Music performed by OC
Total running time : 13 minutes
This new concept comprises an envelope, a mini-DVD and a postcard for sending a personal message. Simply stick a stamp on the envelope at the normal letter rate, then pop it in a post box. The postcard measures 10.5cm x 15cm.
The mini-DVD can be viewed on any DVD player,
gaming devices, PC or MAC.
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