Pont du Gard & Nimes in one day from Avignon by bus & train

Yes, technically it is possible but like everything it depends on what you are trying to get out of it. I have personal experience with this same question, I've tried to do exactly the same thing but in the end we stuck to our original plan and spent a lazy day at Pont du Gard (bag lunch picnic in the Mémoires de Garrigue) then an unrushed evening back in Avignon instead of trying to squeeze it all into one day and I don't regret it at all.
If you have your heart set on going to both Pont du Gard and Nîmes then by all means do it. If not then just relax and have a good time. Either way you are still in Provence ;)

DJ

Cathy, 3 hours at Pont du Gard is enough even with going into the museum they have there. Do not be tempted to skip the museum. It is wonderful and will make your experience of seeing the Pont mean so much more.

I did both in one day in 2005; however, I hit Nimes for a short walkabout of the city - long enough to see the Maison Carrée and the Arena. You won't need 4-hours. This stop had been on the rail way from Carcasonne to Uzes (with a transfer in Avignon). Took a short stroll through Avignon's streets, knowing a later return would allow for another stroll, sightseeing, and a picnic. Hopped bus to Pont du Gard shortly after arrival in Uzes and hotel check-in for one night. Maybe allotted 3-4 hours with transport. Hit Uzes market the following morning before taking bus to next location - L'Isle sur la Sorgue, I think, armed with a picnic lunch for a bus or rail transfer stop in Avignon. Glad to have not based in Avignon. Four nights there is a little much. The Avignon rail station had a baggage check or locker service at the time. Handy if using public transport. Get yourself out to the villages and smaller towns rather than staying in Avignon for 4-nights.

Thank you for your replies, and advice.

DJ, I always try to make my days full, only wishing later that I was a little more laid back. I guess I want to see as much as I can while I'm on vacation. I did see in the Rick Steves' book I have, he also suggested the itinerary that I had planned. That made me feel a little better about the day.

Kathy, thank you for the recommendation for the museum. Yes, I might be tempted to miss it, if time is tight.

Crystal, sorry, but we have already made our apartment reservations in Avignon. We wanted to make a home base for the 4 of us (my husband and I, and my parents who are in their 80's). Having the TGV, easy local trains, and local buses were some of the deciding factors, so that we could explore the area using the trains or buses. We don't always sightsee together because our interests & paces vary, and having good local trains & buses gives us the flexibility we need. We like having an apartment so that we have the community space, but when you need some privacy having our own bedrooms and bathrooms is great. I like your suggestion of having a picnic lunch planned, which we could do at Pont du Gard.

Thank you everyone.

Cathy, given the dynamics of your group, it sounds as though you made a great plan! The area is really deserving of picnic lunches with goods selected from markets. Do plan on it for trying some local foods. It is a lovely area and there is much to keep all interests satisfied. Research your transport options well to find the best route and method. Buses get out to the further afield places. On school days, you'll ride with pre-teen school kids. Kind of fun in and of itself. Watching village life from the bus window isn't so bad. The TGV is slick, but expensive to ride with compulsory reservations. Your options are many! Do your homework and pack your lunch!

Pont du Gard and Nimes was at the top of my list of favorite sites that we visited during a 2-week adventure all over France. Well-worth the time. Have a great trip!