The Uzès - Pont du Gard - Beaucaire greenway

The Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of antiquity, is the most prestigious vestige of an aqueduct built by the Romans almost 2000 years ago. This architectural jewel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is set in an unspoilt natural environment.Ranked as one of the 50 most beautiful monuments in the world by the Guide du Routard, the Pont du Gard is the most grandiose part of a Roman aqueduct that carried water from Uzès to Nîmes over a distance of 50 km. The construction of the highest Roman bridge in the world, in the 1st century AD, was an exceptional feat of engineering for its time. The Pont du Gard site is a huge playground where you can discover 2,000 years of history in a unique, unspoilt environment, at your own pace. Plunge into the heart of Roman times and discover the secrets behind the construction of the monument by visiting the Museum, watching a film or following a guided tour that takes you to the top of the bridge, where water flowed in Roman times. Designed to arouse curiosity and prompt questions, the Ludo area is a veritable playground of discovery. With a playful, active approach, 5-12 year-olds can set off on a quest for knowledge. Sense of observation, imagination and reflection will all be called upon during this fascinating expedition! Explore the 15 hectares of restored plots at Mémoires de garrigue, and learn all about the richness of this Mediterranean landscape. Follow the route of the aqueduct to discover the remains of the Roman structure, or stroll along the riverbank to listen to the gentle lapping of the Gardon as it flows beneath its arches. In fine weather, the riverbanks take on the appearance of beaches, welcoming you for a refreshing stopover. At nightfall in summer, the monument comes to life, transformed into a giant screen with a sound and light show. A moment of pure magic and poetry to be savored every evening in July and August (dates and times on www.pontdugard.fr ). Last but not least, Les Terrasses restaurant on the right bank of the river, shaded by century-old plane trees, welcomes you in an authentic atmosphere to sample tasty cuisine based on local produce that will tantalize your taste buds (reservations recommended on 04 66 63 91 37). Save time and book your tickets and guided tours online at www.pontdugard.fr. Disabled access: The pathway, buildings and museum areas are accessible to people with reduced mobility. For your convenience, wheelchairs are available at the site reception desk. Admission is free for disabled visitors and their companions.

This is all about a simple idea that turned into a museum. Did you know that the only HARIBO Sweets Museum and the biggest shop in the world is right here in Uzès? This is a dream-come-true for those with a sweet tooth...New: Guided tours and creative workshops to discover (by reservation only). "HARIBO c'est beau la vie for young and old alike! Admit it, you've just hummed the most popular slogan in the history of candy! One spring in 1996, the HARIBO Candy Museum opened its doors to welcome its very first gourmands. A unique site for the brand, it's a must-see in our beautiful region, making Uzès the capital of candy! At the HARIBO Museum, you'll learn all the secrets behind the brand's creation and success, and enjoy a unique experience through gourmet exhibitions dedicated to its icons, such as Tagada and Chamallows. And thanks to its latest works, you'll be able to immerse yourself in a unique and immersive experience. The highlight of the show, to round off the visit, is our visitors' favorite room: THE MACHINE ROOM, where you'll find a few surprises... After all this, it's time for the inevitable visit to our beautiful boutique, where a wide range of sweets and goodies makes it hard not to fall in love!

Just 2 steps from the town center, with parking nearby, you'll enjoy a refreshing break and a pleasant view of the Pont Neuf.

Buy a ticket for the Pont du Gard and you'll have access to the beaches directly overlooking the emblematic Roman monument. Probably one of the most picturesque bathing spots you'll ever dive into!Unsupervised beach.

The most popular spot for swimmers is in the village of Collias, on the left bank of the Gardon. You'll love the pebble beaches and cool waters of the Collias lake. This beach is not supervised.What could be better than swimming and cooling off in a natural setting? The Gardon flows through our region, offering superb natural swimming spots like this one! It's easy to get to, and a favorite bathing spot for tourists and locals alike. That's why it's one of the most popular bathing spots in summer. Be careful, however, not to go to the canoe departure point and to avoid the forbidden access points, which are indicated by signs.

The former Meynes-Montfrin station (private), located on the old railroad line from Martinet to Beaucaire, was put into service between 1880 and 1883. It served the town of Uzès in particular. Most of the goods transported were coal.The line from Le Martinet to Beaucaire was a non-electrified, standard-gauge, single-track French railroad line in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. It was commissioned by the Compagnie des chemins de fer de Paris à Lyon et à la Méditerranée (PLM) in 1880 and 1883. In particular, it served the town of Uzès. The line enabled visitors to the old spa town of Euzet to take the waters. During the summer season, they complained about the lack of a direct link to Alès. But this was not enough to make the operation profitable, as most of the goods transported were coal from the mines in the Auzonnet valley, which was carried by trains branching off at St. Julien towards Alès. But the small lines did not survive the decline of coal and the development of the automobile. The Uzès to Nozières-Brignon section was closed to passengers for the first time in 1938. Today, the lines are no longer open, and some of these rails have been dismantled. Even some of the lines have reverted to their original Garrigue vegetation or been converted to vineyards. In the villages, many houses are built on the railway track. But the railroad is still visible in the landscape and used as a footpath or country road. Source: 1) Birth of the Chemin de Fer in Languedoc - Roussillon La Regordance 2) Le Chemin de Fer de Le-Martinet - Beaucaire - Uzès - Noziere/Brignon Association Terre Cevenole

Discover this unexpected 210m-long former railway tunnel. Equipped with a Star Trek-style lighting system, the Comps tunnel will delight young and old alike, lighting up as if by magic as they pass through. Effect guaranteed!This 210m-long former railway tunnel is quite unexpected. You'll be in the middle of the garrigue, and you'll go through a tunnel that looks like a startrek, (lights that are triggered when movement is detected) and you'll come out in the middle of acacias... the contrasts are interesting and the tunnel offers a breath of fresh air. Effect guaranteed!

Picnic area near the Gardon river

Equipped with tables and chairs, this place, located in the heart of the Gardon gorges, promises moments of serenity while overlooking the river.

Picnic area

The site's green space (on the right bank, also accessible by bike from the greenway) offers an incredible view of the monument. And while you're marvelling, your children can play on the spider pyramid!Buy a ticket for the Pont du Gard and you'll also have access to the beaches directly overlooking the emblematic Roman monument. Probably one of the most picturesque swimming spots you'll ever dive into! Unsupervised beach.

Take a break and enjoy the natural immensity of the Eure Valley. A bucolic moment to recharge your batteries and and reconnect with what's essential!Located at the foot of Uzès, the Vallée de l'Eure is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Steeped in history, it is also a wonderful stop-off point for hiking and cultural excursions. Well-known to Uzétians for their Sunday strolls, the Vallée de l'Eure's reputation extends far beyond the city's borders, and has earned itself worldwide recognition..... It all began in the 1st century AD. At that time, the Romans were exploiting the abundant water that rose from the Alzon river in Uzès, and was then transported to Nîmes via a 50 km long aqueduct, of which the Pont-du-Gard was a part.

Picnic area near the Voie verte du Pont du Gard

Picnic area near the Gardon river

Convenient for those in a hurry, as it's easily accessible. This area allows you to take a break and breathe a little before setting off again to new discoveries.

Public WC

Public WC

Public WC

Public WC

Public WC

Public WC

Montfrin, dominated by its listed château, is a village with a rich heritage of Roman and Templar influences. Discover the Notre-Dame de Malpas church, the Commanderie and the Pénitent chapel.As early as 120 BC, the Romans settled in the Languedoc region, where, according to Virgil, they appreciated the abundant wine and succulent game. The dense woods of our "Montagnette" ("mons" in Latin) are home to many wild animals ("ferinus"). Hence the origin of our village's name: Monsferinus, Mont giboyeux or Montagne des bêtes sauvages, which over the centuries became Montfrin. Emperor Antonin had a tower built here, which became the basis of today's castle keep. In the Middle Ages, the Saint-Martin d'Entrevitz gate, located at the entrance to today's rue Pierre Mendès France, linked the town to its port. Opposite the Town Hall stands the Renaissance Maison Calvière (1519), where Richelieu stayed at the time of the Peace of Alès. It still boasts an attractive façade on Rue des Templiers. Place du Nord bears witness to the lovely legend of the meeting of Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, who later became Molière, and Madelaine Béjart, on the occasion of Louis XIII's third trip to Montfrin, in March 1642. The Montagnac apiary is home to 75 beehives. The largest honeybee apiary in France.

Remoulins is an ancient fortified town located 2 km from the Pont du Gard. Worth a visit: The 12th-century church, Notre-Dame de Bethleem and its bell tower, the ramparts, the Saint-Martin chapel, built in honor of Charles Martel, hiking.Remoulins is located at a strategic crossroads between Avignon, Nîmes and Uzès. Just 2 km from the Pont du Gard, and on the banks of the Gardon river, from which it takes its name (les remous du Gardon). You can discover the remains of the fortifications and its tower. As early as the 4th century, Remoulins was founded on the Marduel oppidum, which in the 2nd century became known as Sainte-Colombe. Remoulins was fortified (ruins of the ramparts on Place du Portail). The village suffered battles first between lords, then between Catholics and Protestants. The village was enfranchised in the 12th century and remained so until the Revolution of 1789 (450 souls in the 18th century). Remoulins suffered from the Wars of Religion, sometimes taken by the Catholics, sometimes by the Protestants, and the village ended up bloodless and the population ruined. It was at this time that La Salvetat or Castel Vieille was built, the lords' residence whose windows with capitals and pilasters can still be seen today. After 1789, Remoulins was more or less spared major political events.

Classified as a "Ville d'art et d'histoire" and one of France's 1st "secteurs sauvegardés", the historic center of Uzès is sure to charm you. Discover the Duchy of Uzès, the Cathedral, the Medieval Garden, the Place aux Herbes and the Eure Valley.The milestones in the history of Uzès, from Roman times to the present day. Ucetia, a city of water The first traces of human settlement in Uzès were found on the banks of the Alzon, around the Eure spring. At the beginning of our era, the Romans captured abundant water here. It was carried to Nîmes by a 50 km aqueduct, of which the Pont du Gard is the most remarkable part. Uzès, city of bishops The bishopric of Uzès was created in the 5th century A.D. on the model of Roman organization. Until the French Revolution, the bishops of Uzès were said to have coined money and administered justice: prerogatives that testify to their great power. In the 18th century, the diocese of Uzès comprised 193 parishes, making it one of the largest in the Languedoc region. Uzès, past and present Uzès, 1st Duchy of France In 1229, Languedoc, of which Uzès is a part, became part of the French crown. In 1565, Charles IX elevated the Comte de Crussol to the dignity of duke to ensure his loyalty to the crown. In 1632, the Duc d'Uzès became 1st Duke of France. The Duchy, located in the heart of the town, still belongs to the ducal family, who have lived there for over 1000 years. Uzès, Huguenot In the 16th century, Uzès was the fifth-largest Protestant city in the kingdom. But the Uzès temple was destroyed during the Wars of Religion. In 1685, Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes: Uzès Protestants either converted or chose to emigrate throughout Europe. Uzès in the industrial revolution Uzès and the surrounding area were home to numerous mills, now in ruins, but which had been used since the 15th century to manufacture serges and woollen cloth, leather and silk. But silkworm disease led to the decline of sericulture, which employed some 2,000 people in Uzès until the end of the 19th century. It was then that the railway station was set up outside the town, and two new activities were developed: the production of utilitarian and artistic ceramics, and licorice-making. These activities still exist today: Zan, the flagship of Uzès' licorice factories, has become Haribo - Ricqlès - Zan, and the Pichon family's pottery, present in Uzès since 1802, perpetuates tradition and know-how and contributes to making Uzès an internationally renowned destination. Uzès, past and present Beautiful Uzès In the 20th century, Uzès was given a new lease of life when its city center was designated a "protected area" on January 5, 1965. Since then, Uzès has continued to embellish itself: streets have been paved, electrical wires have been hidden, 12 hectares of property were restored in 1965, and today 41 hectares of the town have been classified under the Malraux law. Since the early 1950s, economic development has picked up again, thanks to tourism and the installation of major establishments such as the departmental psychiatric hospital and the new local hospital, the Haribo company, the Haras National stud farm and numerous SMEs. Classified as a "Ville d'art et d'histoire" since November 2008, Uzès enjoys an international reputation, and visitors from all over the world come to stroll its streets and admire its heritage. Source: www.uzes.fr/uzes-d-hier-a-aujourd-hui_a42.html

The lamp factory on the old railroad line from Martinet to Beaucaire was used to store, prepare, maintain and repair the portable lamps and lanterns that were so important in the 19th century for the smooth running of the railroad.Source: "Histoire d'un chemin de fer" line le Martinet Beaucaire by Veronique Martin and Jean Marie Mercier of the Société d'Histoire et d'Archéologie de Beaucaire (SHAB).