Visit to the Pont du Gard today, located between Avignon and Nimes. This structure is the most outstanding part of the remains of an old roman aqueduct built about 19BC to take 20 million litres of spring water daily to the city of Nimes via ditches, tunnels, siphons and bridges. The aqueduct itself, spanning the Gardon River, is made of huge limestone rocks, 3 tiers and 48 metres in height. Water went along the top and the lower 2 levels were for people and traffic at various stages. It fell into disrepair during the middle ages and also some blocks were used for other structures. Again a very impressive structure and engineering feat way before modern times.
This afternoon we drove to Gordes – a very cute village tumbling in cascades down a rocky hillside. Also around the area we saw old bories – drystone structures like beehives built from around 3500 BC and used for shelter and storage. Last stop was Rousillon – another village on a crag! But interesting for the use of ochre colours all around – about 17 shades they reckon. The earth and rocks looked very richly coloured.
