The Pont du Gard is the first place I mention to guests who want something memorable near Castillon-du-Gard. It is the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world, 49 metres tall, with three levels of arches, and it dates from the 1st century. The aqueduct once carried water over 50 km from Uzès to Nîmes. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and is the most visited ancient monument in France.
The site lies in a protected Mediterranean natural setting of 165 hectares, 21 km from Avignon and 27 km from Nîmes. It is fully pedestrian and free to enter on foot or by bike; parking, cultural spaces, guided tours and workshops are paid. The cultural spaces include a museum, a cinema, the Ludo play space, the Mémoires de Garrigue trail and temporary exhibitions. Guided tours take you to the top level, with a view over the site.
In July and August, a sound and light show lights up the arches every evening from sunset. During school holidays, family workshops cover Roman mosaics, oil lamps, laurel wreaths, ancient recipes and protective amulets.
You can eat at the Bistro, at Les Terrasses facing the monument or at Les petites terrasses, and the shops on both banks sell regional products, clothing and souvenirs. For families, I suggest a riverside picnic and some time by the water. The site is open daily from 8:00 to midnight.
