Gardon

The Gardon or Gard (Occitan and French: Gardon, Gard) is a river in southern France. It is the namesake of the department of Gard. Several of its tributaries are also called Gardon. It is 127.6 km (79.3 mi) long, and takes its source in the commune of Saint-Martin-de-Lansuscle, in the Cévennes mountain range.[1] In its upper course it is also referred to as Gardon de Saint-Martin. From its furthest source, that of its tributary "Gardon de Saint-Jean", it is 133 km long. It flows into the Rhône (right-side tributary) at Comps, north of Beaucaire, across from Vallabrègues.

For the French footballer, see Bernard Gardon. For the Transylvanian musical instrument, see Ütőgardon.
Gardon
The Gardon near the Pont du Gard
Location
CountryFrance
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationCévennes
Mouth 
 • location
Rhône
 • coordinates
43°51′6″N 4°36′54″E
Length133 km (83 mi)
Basin size2,200 km2 (850 sq mi)
Discharge 
 • average32 m3/s (1,100 cu ft/s)
Basin features
ProgressionRhône→ Mediterranean Sea
Pont du Gard
The Gardon in Anduze
Confluence of the Gardon and the Rhône River at Comps

Features

The Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the 16th-century Pont Saint-Nicolas are two historic bridges that cross the Gardon. The Gorges du Gardon, which ends at Pont Saint-Nicolas, is a popular recreation area for kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and hiking.

The village of Collias, approximately 12 kilometres (7 mi) downriver from the Pont Saint-Nicolas, has several kayak and canoe rental agencies which will bus customers upriver to the Pont Saint-Nicolas (until the river level drops low in late June). Departing from Collias by kayak or canoe will bring you to the Pont du Gard in about an hour and one-half. It is possible to kayak or canoe under the Pont du Gard. Though, at times, the river is not high enough to allow for passage.

Floods

In September 2002 and again in December 2003, the Gardon had record level floods that damaged many of its bridges including the Pont Saint-Nicolas, which has since been fully restored. The river today shows few signs of the floods.

Places along the river

La Grand-Combe and Alès are situated on the "Gardon d'Alès", the major left tributary.

References
  1. Sandre. "Fiche cours d'eau - Le Gard (V71-0400)".
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