pont du gard / avignon

PONT DU GARD / AVIGNON
1 Day
FRANCE
Pick up from your hotel in Marseille or Aix en Provence to discover the Pont du Gard, a roman aqueduct
built 2000 years ago and Avignon, the city of the Popes.
The morning will be dedicated to discover the magnificent Pont du Gard
It was Agrippa, the son-in-law of Augustus, who decided in 19 B.C to construct an enormous aqueduct
to supply Nîmes with drinking water from a source located near Uzes.
The bridge that we see today, boldly bestriding the river Gardon is the most majestic part of that wonderful
work which has remained almost intact for nearly two thousand years.
The Roman architects and hydraulic engineers who designed this bridge, which stands almost 50 m high
and is on three levels – the longest measuring 275 m – created a technical as well as an artistic
masterpiece.
Lunch in Avignon
Visit of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
With the arrival of the popes in the 14th Century, the city became a second Rome. It was enriched by art
in the 17th and 18th Centuries, and it remained papal property up to the French revolution.
From this period the city kept its medieval walls which are punctuated by 39 towers and seven gates.
The major site of the city is the huge Pope's palace, the biggest gothic palace in the world.
Your guide will tell you the grand life under the seven French popes who built a miniature Vatican during
their rule here. You can visit 25 rooms of it, including the ceremonial rooms, chapels, cloister, private papal
apartments with priceless frescoes, and others.
The second point of interest is the St Bénézet Bridge. This legendary bridge is a significant symbol of the
history of Avignon, famous throughout the world due to the beloved children's song “Sous le Pont
D’Avignon”. At the moment of its construction in the late 1100's, the bridge contained twenty two arches
to make the link between Avignon and Villeneuve Avignon. It was destroyed several times by the raging
flood water of the Rhône.
Drop off at your hotel.
THE PRICE INCLUDES
Private full day tour with an English speaking licensed guide to discover the Pont du Gard and Avignon
Transportation in a comfortable bus
Lunch with drinks
Entrances to the Pont du Gard, the Pope’s palace and the Pont d’Avignon
THE PRICE DOESN’T INCLUDE
Personal Expenses and Tips
Extra activities not mentioned in the program
Informations & Booking
+ 33 (0)4.65.280.182
[email protected]
NAP PROVENCE● 310 Traverse de la Bourgade ● 13400 Aubagne
www.nap-provence.fr