Echoes of Rome
build and stood nearly 164ft at its highest point. Incredibly, no cement was used in its construction; stones were simply cut to size, then slotted together.
There were no pumps, either; gravity – the aqueduct slopes gradually downwards – did the job of ferrying the water along.
As part of a guided tour, I get to climb to the top and walk through the very tunnel through which the water flowed. From up here, I get an incredible view of the jadecoloured Gardon river which flows into the Rhone. Today, the odd kayaker is lazily paddling along it and families are sunbathing and picnicking on its banks.
The water which ran along this aqueduct came from another major source, in the small, nearby town of Uzes. This is worth visiting in its own right, not least for its picture-perfect old town, full of historic, sand-coloured houses framed by pistachio-green or lavender-blue shutters.
If you’re a foodie, Wednesdays and Saturdays are the days to visit, because of the huge market – voted fourth best in France – which spreads across the town centre. Stalls are piled high with ripe local cheeses, glistening green and black olives, spices, salts, charcuterie and more, providing a mouth-watering backdrop to this charming place.
Here, too, a 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic was discovered recently. Currently being restored, townspeople hope it will be displayed here soon.
It’s just as well the Romans built things to last, or we wouldn’t be able to see any of the magnificent legacy they left behind.
Enjoy a flavour of Rome, even in the South of France.
GETTING THERE
Travel Editions (020 7251 0045/traveleditions.co.uk) offers a six-night Languedoc Roussillon by Rail Escorted Tour from £925pp, departing May 30 and September 5. Includes Eurostar travel from London St Pancras International to Paris and onwards to Montpellier by TGV, B&B accommodation in Montpellier and tours of sites including Nimes’ Roman ruins. More details: uk.france.fr/en