Remoulins and the Pont du Gard: an immersion between history, nature and ancient genius
At the gateway to Languedoc and the Rhône Valley, between Nîmes and Avignon, lies a gem often overlooked by tourist itineraries: Remoulins , a charming medieval village. But just a few kilometers away, stands one of the most impressive monuments of Roman Antiquity: the Pont du Gard , a true masterpiece of engineering, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together, Remoulins and the Pont du Gard form an unmissable destination where heritage, nature, and culture come together harmoniously.
Table of Contents
Remoulins, a village with a rich medieval past
Often passed through without stopping, Remoulins is nevertheless worth spending time there. Bordered by the Gardon, the old village is home to many historical remains: the two medieval towers, the 12th-century fortified gate, the keep, and the Romanesque church of Notre-Dame de Bethléem, built upon returning from the Crusades. With its impressive comb-shaped bell tower, it dominates the old village and embodies the religious and civil past of Remoulins, having served in turn as a church, school, town hall, and even a prison.
The Saint-Martin Notre-Dame church houses precious Moitessier organs, listed as historic monuments. The village also boasts private mansions, an oil mill dating from 1631, and typical Gard architecture that can be discovered as you wander through the cobbled streets.
The Pont du Gard: Roman genius, eternal emotion
An iconic landmark in the south of France, the Pont du Gard isn't just beautiful—it's exceptional . Built around 50 AD, likely during the reigns of Claudius or Nero, it was part of a 50-kilometer-long aqueduct designed to supply the Roman city of Nîmes. This colossal project mobilized nearly a thousand men and was completed in just five years.
With its 49 meters of height and its 3 levels of arches , it is still today the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world , a technical feat for the time. Its function was however purely utilitarian: to bring water to Nîmes, at a rate of 30 to 40,000 m³ per day. The water, captured at Uzès, crossed scrubland, valleys and hills, thanks to a tiny but extremely precisely calculated slope: 25 centimeters per kilometer .
In the bowels of the Roman genius
Today, guided tours allow visitors to discover the inner workings of the bridge: the stone pipe , once used to transport water, is still visible. Limestone deposits can be seen there, evidence of the passage of water for nearly five centuries. The Romans developed an ingenious system of visual identification using red paint to maintain this "pipe" without damaging the structures.
Another curiosity: the Lestelle quarry , located 500 meters from the monument, is still marked by the tools of the Roman quarrymen. The blocks, weighing up to six tons, were transported on the river to the bridge construction site, then assembled without cement, by simple interlocking. It is this technique, coupled with the solidity of the local limestone, which explains why the Pont du Gard has survived the centuries.
A monument reused and admired over the centuries
After the aqueduct was abandoned in the 6th century, the Pont du Gard changed its function. It became a quarry , a road bridge , and then a source of artistic inspiration during the Renaissance. From the 14th century onwards, it was reinforced for the passage of carts. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became a popular crossing point for the companions of the Tour de France , who carved their nicknames and their region of origin into the stone – marks still visible today.
In 1985, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Extensive developments were then undertaken: the site was pedestrianized, beaches were installed along the Gardon, and a museum was inaugurated to retrace the history of the bridge and its aqueduct.
A life-size experience between Remoulins and the Pont du Gard
A visit to the Pont du Gard doesn't stop at the monument itself. Its natural environment is exceptional: scrubland, forest, cliffs, prehistoric caves such as the Sartanette or the Salpêtrière, and of course the Gardon. In summer, the banks become places for swimming, relaxing, or starting points for canoe trips . Several routes, such as Collias – Pont du Gard (8 km) , allow you to admire the aqueduct from the river, a magical perspective on the stone giant.
Remoulins, for its part, offers a perfect starting point for exploring the region. Hiking trails, the Uzès–Beaucaire greenway, and the Uzège cycle routes allow you to combine sport, nature, and cultural discovery. For families, the game booklet " Le Jeune Dragon de Remoulins" offers a fun exploration of the old village.
Between terroir and tradition
Remoulins also perpetuates its agricultural know-how . The town was once the "cherry capital," and its orchards still bear witness to this. The weekly Friday morning market is an opportunity to taste local products: sun-drenched fruits, AOP Côtes du Rhône wines, local olive oil, cheeses, and many other Provençal specialties.
What to do around Remoulins? All the activities not to be missed
Whether you are passionate about heritage, sport or curious about the region, here are the best activities to do around Remoulins , with all the useful links to prepare your stay
🛶 1. Canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the Gardon
The Gardon is ideal for magnificent canoe or paddleboard trips, with a view of the Pont du Gard.
Popular routes :
Collias → Pont du Gard (8 km / 2h)
Pont Saint-Nicolas → Collias (11 km)
Russan → Pont du Gard (31 km – sporty)
Service providers in Remoulins and surrounding areas :
🚴♂️ 2. Bicycle and greenway
Cycling routes to discover :
Pont du Gard Green Route : Uzès → Beaucaire (safe and flat)
Uzège – Pont du Gard cycle loop : approximately 38 km through scrubland landscapes
📍 Maps & info:
🥾 3. Hiking or horseback riding
Explore the trails around Remoulins with views of the Gardon, the scrubland and the Roman remains.
📍 Useful resources:
🏛️ 4. Visit the Pont du Gard
UNESCO listed monument, Roman masterpiece and unmissable cultural site.
📍 To see:
The 3-level aqueduct bridge
The interactive museum
The beaches along the Gardon
Sound and light shows in summer
🔗 Official website of the Pont du Gard
🏘️ 5. Discovery of Old Remoulins
Not to be missed in the village:
The Romanesque Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem
The fortified gate , the medieval towers
The oil mill from 1631
The listed organs of the Saint-Martin church
🔗 Pont du Gard Tourist Office (Remoulins)
📞 Guided tours by reservation: 04 66 37 14 50
🌳 6. Nature and wildlife walks
Easy walks from the parking lot along the seawall:
Observation of beavers , otters , herons , etc.
Access to the Gardon Gorges for experienced hikers
🔗 Gardon Gorges Nature Reserve (CEN site)
🛍️ 7. Local market and terroir
📍 Every Friday morning in Remoulins:
Local products, cherries, olives, AOP Côtes du Rhône wines, cheese, etc.
🔗 Market and events calendar – OT Pont du Gard
👨👩👧 8. Family activities
“The Young Dragon of Remoulins” game booklet : fun treasure hunt in the village
Swimming in the Gardon (natural beaches developed in summer)
Night shows at the Pont du Gard in June (sound, light, pyrotechnics)
🕳️ 9. Prehistoric caves (nearby)
Discover the origins of the region in the caves around the Pont du Gard:
Salpêtrière Cave
Tai Cave
Sartanette Cave
📍 Info & visits:
🔗 Pont du Gard Museum – Prehistory area
Discovering the Flavors of Remoulins:
Here's a look at the restaurants that delight your taste buds, with practical information and feedback from those who've already tried them. Note that none of these establishments hold Michelin stars, but they each offer a unique and beloved culinary experience.
Les Terrasses: A Culinary Escape at the Foot of the Pont du Gard
Address: Avenue du Pont du Gard, 30210 Remoulins, France Website: TheFork – Les Terrasses
Located in an idyllic setting, Les Terrasses offers refined cuisine featuring regional specialties. Guests are unanimous: the setting is exceptional, especially with its view of the Pont du Gard. The quality of the cuisine is also often highlighted.
Customer reviews: With a score of 8.3/10 on TheFork , the feedback is mostly positive. We appreciate the quality of the dishes and the charming atmosphere . A few comments sometimes concern the service, which can be slow, or the paid parking.
Restaurant Les Escaravats: The Authenticity of Wood-Fired Cuisine
Address: 1 Rue des Escaravats, 30210 Remoulins, France Website: LES ESCARAVATS – Remoulins
For lovers of authentic meats and flavors, Restaurant Les Escaravats is a must-visit. This place is renowned for its wood-fired cuisine , promising tasty dishes and a unique character.
Customer reviews: With an excellent rating of 4.7/5 on Petit Futé , guests praise the warm atmosphere and the quality of the grills . Be careful, some feedback sometimes reports smoke problems in the dining room, which is something to take into account if you are sensitive.
Lotus of Asia: A Journey to Asia in Remoulins
Address: 42 Av. Geoffroy Perret, 30210 Remoulins, France Website: Remoulins Restaurant: Lotus d'Asie
Looking for a getaway? Lotus d'Asie transports you with its Vietnamese and Japanese flavors . It's the perfect place to discover varied and colorful Asian dishes.
Customer reviews: Reviews are mostly favorable, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients and the authenticity of the recipes . A perfect choice for a gourmet break with exotic notes.
The Artists' Workshop: Mediterranean and Italian Creativity
Address: 24 Av. du Pont du Gard, 30210 Remoulins, France Website: TheFork – L'Atelier des Artistes
L'Atelier des Artistes offers cuisine that fuses Mediterranean and Italian influences , offering creative and tasty dishes. It is a restaurant that focuses on the originality and quality of its culinary creations.
Customer reviews: With a very good rating of 8.7/10 on TheFork , customers particularly appreciate the pleasant setting and the quality of the service . This restaurant is often recommended for an evening for two or with friends.
Les Glycines: Hotel Charm and French Cuisine
Address: 8 Av. Geoffroy Perret, 30210 Remoulins, France Website: Hotels.com – Hôtel Les Glycines
Part of a hotel, Les Glycines offers traditional French cuisine . It's a convenient option if you're staying at the hotel or looking for a restaurant offering classic cuisine.
Guest reviews: Reviews are more mixed, with a score of 7.9/10 on Booking.com . While some praise the location and value for money , others have commented on the size of the rooms or odor issues.
Conclusion: Remoulins and the Pont du Gard, the alliance of heritage and life
Discovering Remoulins means diving into a thousand-year-old history, walking in the footsteps of the Romans and the Crusaders, admiring a monument that is unique in the world, and letting yourself be carried away by the gentle charm of a still-authentic southern village. Between cultural visits, outdoor activities, swimming in the Gardon, and gourmet getaways, it is a rich, accessible, and deeply inspiring destination.
The best activities around Nîmes
Ready for adventure? If you're looking for new experiences, there's no shortage of activities around Nîmes.
Nîmes and its treasures
Nîmes: The most beautiful monuments and outings in the surrounding area Nîmes, often nicknamed the “French Rome”, is a city of a
The Square House
The Maison Carrée of Nîmes: An Eternally Recognized Roman Jewel In the heart of the city of Nîmes, in the