Roman remains in the Gard and Camargue lands on the weekend program
Provence is a region rich in tourist experiences. Natural sites, architectural heritage and beautiful beaches are all part of its reputation. This part of France is where the Mediterranean, the Camargue, the Alpilles, the Luberon, Provence and other fascinating places meet. So many destinations to add to your travel diary. We’d like to introduce you to two exceptional sites that are a must-see.
The Pont du Gard listed as a Unesco World Heritage site
Flickr – François Philipp
An imposing structure between Avignon and Nîmes, measuring 49 metres high and 275 metres long, the Pont du Gard is the highest Roman bridge-aqueduct ever built in France. It was built on three arch levels using stone from the surrounding Roman quarries. Spanning the Gardon river, the Pont du Gard supplied drinking water to the city of Nîmes. After two millennia of existence, it never ceases to amaze visitors with its majesty and the rich Mediterranean nature surrounding it. Since 1985, this historic monument has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2004 it became one of France’s « Grands Sites ». This ancient work of engineering features a number of discovery areas, including a museum where you can learn more about the historical context and the challenges involved in its construction. You can also enjoy a swim in the cool waters of the Gardon, canoeing, climbing, horseback riding and many other activities. A visit to the Pont du Gard takes a full day to complete.
The Camargue in all its states
Flickr – Shaun Dunphy
Sandwiched between the two arms of the Rhône and the Mediterranean Sea, the Camargue is a wild, untamed land where many animals still live in semi-liberty (e.g. bulls, horses, etc.). It’s a mosaic of natural landscapes made up of rice paddies, marshes, ponds and arid lands. It is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, with birds playing a predominant role. Visiting the Camargue also means discovering towns steeped in history, such as Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, its capital. Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is a lively little town of character, famous for Sainte Sarah, the patron saint of Gypsies. Every year, for a weekend, Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer becomes the gathering place for gypsies from all over Europe. In terms of tradition, the horse and bull are the town’s emblems, and become the magnificent and tragic protagonists of the bullfights. Bullfights take place in arenas, with man and bull facing off in a joust to the death. During your romantic weekend, take the time to visit its church and marina. In short, in the Camargue, discovery and relaxation combine to make your vacation unforgettable.