David Bowden is a freelance journalist based in Malaysia, specializing in travel and the environment. While Australian, he’s been living in Asia longer than he can remember, and returns to his home country as a tourist. He’s the author of Enchanting Borneo, Enchanting Malaysia, Enchanting Singapore and Enchanting Langkawi published by John Beaufoy of the UK.
It’s only natural that visitors flock to Paris for all its romantic charm and fashionable lifestyle. There’s much more to France and on my most recent trip I headed to the sunny south and the Mediterranean coastline near Montpellier.
After exploring Montpellier’s narrow alleyways and cutting-edge contemporary architecture, it was time to head into the countryside of The Gard, dissected by the Gardon River that beckons with its wineries, scenery and Gallo-Roman history. The Pont du Gard (bridge over the Gardon), is one of the world’s mostly highly recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
World of the Romans
At its peak around 1,600 years ago, the Roman Empire included an estimated 20% of the world’s population living from Europe to Asia, principally around the Mediterranean Sea. France was then known as Gaul and it was first influenced by the Roman 2,100 years ago. They built structures and urban infrastructure of aqueducts, forums, temples, roads and bridges many which still exist.
Nîmes, Arles and Orange attract tourists seeking Roman ruins with the Pont du Gard near Nîmes being France’s historic jewel. The Pont du Gard supplied Nîmes with water sourced from Uzès (50km) that enabled Nîmes to become a centre for trade and culture.
Sadly, longevity isn’t one of its endearing characteristics as the aqueduct as it was only operation 150 years and started to deteriorate and when the water stopped flowing, it reverted to a bridge.
Aqueduct Visit
Facilities at the aqueduct are excellent with ample parking space and superb Visitors’ Centre that includes artefacts as well as a multimedia museum. Specialised tours can be arranged to walk over the top of the aqueduct along the canal that transported the water.
The lower sections of the three-level structure aren’t all original but sympathetic additions make it all look of a similar age. There are 64 arches with the total structure rising 50m above the River Gardon and spanning 490m.
While the area around the aqueduct is mostly flat, there’s some walking involved to take in all the sites. I took refuge is the beautifully restored 1865 inn called Les Terraces now converted to a restaurant serving simple, local and seasonal cuisine. While the menu changes, expect dishes that feature local ingredients olive oil cakes, topped with balsamic vinegar and capsicum drizzle.
Fruits of the Vine
Another good reason to visit southern France is to enjoy the wines produced in Languedoc and often referred to by its old name, Midi. This is considered one of France’s most dynamic wine regions and the one open to innovation.
Vineyards are located throughout Le Gard and around Pont du Gard as well as neighbouring districts. One of the more interesting vineyards to visit is that adjoining Maguelone Cathedral fronting the Mediterranean Sea near Montpellier. Visitors can sample and buy wines produced from the vines that surround this tenth century fortress.
Country Accommodation
Domaine des Clos is a delightful country estate located in Beaucaire, southeast of Pont du Gard. This family-operated boutique property is surrounded by vines dating back to the 18th century. Stone buildings border a grassy courtyard shaded by a towering oak tree and gracious formal gardens are a feature.
All rooms are individually decorated with period furniture but with modern facilities and a comfortable lounge invites guests to mingle while beautiful country-styled meals are served in the adjoining dining area.
Travel File
Getting There
The best connection to southern France from Singapore is on Air France - KLM which has flights departing every evening via Amsterdam or Paris and then it’s a two-hour flight to Montpellier. The Pont du Gard is approximately 50km to the northeast of Montpellier.
Where to Stay
Contact: Pont du Gard
Brought To You By Expat Choice
