Swimming in History
Twenty-five minutes west of Avignon, the Pont du Gard is one of the most recognizable monuments in France. A massive aqueduct built in the first century to carry water from Fontaines d’Eures to the Roman city of Nemausus (Nîmes), it’s a must-see for history and architecture buffs, but it’s also a cheap day trip for those hobbling through Europe on crippled currency. Entrance is free and parking is 5€ for the day. If you haven’t got a car, you can catch bus 9 to Remoulins 3 km away and arrive on foot.
Save your energy, though, because the highlight of the Pont du Gard is not the monument itself, but the variety of outdoor activities in the area. A myriad of hiking trails leading up into the surrounding hills offer panoramic views of the Gardon River Valley and it’s lush forest. The Gardon is the main attraction during the summer months, though. A natural gorge, the banks of this lazy river are lined with water-level shelves of smooth creamy stone, perfect for picnics, sunbathing and swimming. What better way to spend a summer day than floating downstream in the shadow of a 2000-year-old monument?