The ancient Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard at night is an exciting sound and light show you shouldn’t miss!
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, one of the eighteenth-century’s most influential thinkers and writers, was overwhelmed when he visited Pont du Gard. Imagine what he would say if he had witnessed it today.
“I had been told to go and see the Pont du Gard; I did not fail to do so. It was the first work of the Romans that I had seen. I expected to see a monument worthy of the hands which had constructed it. This time the object surpassed my expectation, for the only time in my life. Only the Romans could have produced such an effect. The sight of this simple and noble work struck me all the more since it is in the middle of a wilderness where silence and solitude render the object more striking and the admiration more lively; for this so-called bridge was only an aqueduct. One asks oneself what force has transported these enormous stones so far from any quarry, and what brought together the arms of so many thousands of men in a place where none of them live. I wandered about the three storeys of this superb edifice although my respect for it almost kept me from daring to trample it underfoot. The echo of my footsteps under these immense vaults made me imagine that I heard the strong voices of those who had built them. I felt myself lost like an insect in that immensity. While making myself small, I felt an indefinable something that raised up my soul, and I said to myself with a sigh, “Why was I not born a Roman!”
Discover the Magic of Pont du Gard at Night
If you’re planning a trip to France and love history, add Pont du Gard to your travel list. This ancient Roman aqueduct is a marvel of engineering and a true journey back in time.
Pont du Gard: An Ancient Roman Aqueduct
Let’s start with a little backstory. Pont du Gard is a massive aqueduct bridge built by the Romans in the first century AD. Its job was to carry water from the Eure spring to the city of Nîmes, and it’s still standing tall today! The structure is incredibly impressive, with three tiers of arches stretching over 900 feet long and rising to 160 feet high.
The famous 18th-century thinker, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, once visited and was completely blown away. He wrote, “I expected to see a monument worthy of the hands which had constructed it. This time the object surpassed my expectation, for the only time in my life. Only the Romans could have produced such an effect.”
A Modern Spectacle: Sound and Light Show
Today, Pont du Gard isn’t just about ancient history. Each year, it hosts an incredible sound and light show that brings the aqueduct to life in the most magical way. Picture this: colorful lights illuminate ancient stones while a dynamic soundtrack fills the air. It’s a stunning blend of history and modern technology that you won’t want to miss.
Tips for Visiting Pont du Gard
Here are a few handy tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable:
- Timing: Try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to dodge the crowds and enjoy the peaceful beauty.
- Tickets: If you plan to catch the sound and light show, get your tickets in advance.
- Comfort: Wear comfy walking shoes and bring some water – you’ll be doing a bit of walking.
- Photography: Remember your camera! The Pont du Gard is super photogenic, especially at sunrise and sunset.
More about Pont du Gard:
Pont du Gard, France: Architecture or Art?
