Pont du Gard

We went touristing today and visited the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct bridge built in 50AD.

It's part of a 50km aqueduct that ran between Uzes and Nimes, where water was distributed to fountains, baths and private homes throughout the city. Back then, private access to water was a socio-economic indicator and the richest families used almost 1,000 liters/day (a typical family today might use 300l/d).

It's the second best preserved such structure. it is 160 ft above the water and 900 ft long. It has three rows of arches: the lower row includes six arches; the middle row 11 and the third 35. The thickness of piers ranges from 10 ft to 20 ft.

The museum is fascinating in terms of understanding the engineering techniques and labor that went into these works. It also shows off the most amazing (Italian) marble toilets, used as early at 40AD! :)

We went on to visit Uzes. Pretty town with wonderful squares around which to eat and have drinks and observe life. Got a fair share of shopping done as well! :)

Decision made: as pretty as the inland is, we will look for our home by the seaside. That should narrow it down some :)