Two bridges, 2000 years apart, or 'THIS IS ME! I AM A BRIDGE!!

In the past two days we have seen two bridges, and although one was built by the Romans 2000 years ago, and one was completed in 2004, they are both absolute stunners.

Today we crossed the Millau viaduct. This is the tallest vehicular bridge in the world, and takes the A75 autoroute across the valley of the river Tarn. It's highest pier is taller than the Eiffel Tower. It wasn't designed to blend into the landscape - it hovers above the town of Millau like a massive piece of silvery jewellery. It's gorgeous, I loved it.

This is what it looks like as you drive onto it



and here it is from the lookout on the other side



Of course, big construction projects are nothing new in these parts. At some point in the 1st century AD, the Romans decided to build an aqueduct to bring water to Nimes. Part of the aqueduct traversed the river Gardon, near the town of Remoulins. It still stands today - we know it as the Pont du Gard.

Here it is



And here's the river it crosses



The aqueduct fell into disuse from about the 9th century, and was used as a bridge. However by the 18th Century, steps were taken to restore it, and the lower footbridge was constructed to prevent further damage to the aqueduct. All along the wall of the footbridge are masons marks, made by the journeymen masons who worked on the construction. Further restoration was carried out in the mid-19th century.

Here's one from 1770



and one from 1822



Don't eat at the cafe at the visitors centre though. The food was pretty unappetising, and the strawberries on my waffle were ACTUALLY mouldy.