Pont St. Jean du Gard

Pont St. Jean du Gard (also known as the Pont Vieux) is a stone bridge spanning the Gardon river in Saint-Jean-du-Gard, a gateway town to the Cévennes mountains in the Gard department of southern France. Its six low, humpbacked arches make it one of the town's most recognisable landmarks, standing at the edge of the old market square in the historic centre.

What is the history behind the bridge?

The bridge was built in 1733, replacing an earlier ford that travellers had crossed on wooden planks. The Gardon is notorious for sudden, violent floods, and the new structure suffered accordingly: it was damaged in 1736, 1739 and 1741, and was even replaced by a temporary wooden bridge in 1742. A stone bridge was rebuilt for good between 1754 and 1755, giving it the form that has largely survived to this day.

The bridge's toughest test came during the catastrophic flood of 1958, when the swollen river tore away its central section. It was rebuilt identically in 1961, preserving the six-arch, humpbacked silhouette travellers see today.

Why does the bridge matter to the region?

For centuries, the Pont St. Jean du Gard served as a vital link across the Gardon, supporting trade between Saint-Jean-du-Gard and surrounding communities. It also stands as a quiet witness to the region's turbulent past, including the Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants that left a lasting mark on the Cévennes. Today the bridge is listed as a protected heritage monument of the town.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Saint-Jean-du-Gard sits at the natural entrance to the Cévennes mountains, its narrow streets and stone houses typical of the region. The town is also the terminus of the Train à Vapeur des Cévennes, a heritage steam railway running from Anduze - for many visitors, the ride itself is one of the highlights of this part of France. Walking across the bridge and along the riverbanks reveals a striking contrast between the calm valley floor and the steep slopes rising around the town.

The Gardon river itself is typical of the Cévennes: often shallow and gentle in summer, but capable of rising dramatically after heavy rain, as the bridge's repeated repairs make clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Pont St. Jean du Gard? The bridge in its current form dates from 1754-1755, though its history goes back to 1733, when the first stone structure was built on the site.

Has the bridge been damaged by floods? Yes. It suffered repeated flood damage in 1736, 1739 and 1741, and was struck again by a major flood in 1958, after which it was rebuilt identically in 1961.

How do you get to Saint-Jean-du-Gard? The town sits at the entrance to the Cévennes mountains in the Gard department and is the final stop of the Train à Vapeur des Cévennes, a heritage steam railway departing from Anduze.

Is the bridge a protected monument? Yes, the Pont St. Jean du Gard is listed as part of the town's protected historic heritage and remains one of Saint-Jean-du-Gard's defining landmarks.