gardon

Gardon refers primarily to a river in southern France, a left-bank tributary of the Rhône. The Pont du Gard, a remarkably well-preserved ancient Roman aqueduct, crosses the Gardon near Vers-Pont-du-Gard and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river rises in the Cévennes and flows generally southward through the Occitanie region, draining limestone plateaus, valleys, and gorges before joining the Rhône.

The Gardon basin has shaped local land use for centuries, supporting agriculture such as vineyards and olive groves, as well as providing opportunities for outdoor recreation like kayaking and canyoning in its gorges. Its course passes through several towns and rural communities that are closely linked to the river’s hydrology and scenic landscapes.

Etymology and namesakes: The name Gardon is of French and Occitan origin and is used in regional toponymy, reflecting the river’s influence on local geography. In addition to the river itself, the term appears in various place names and cultural references in southern France.

Gardon is also a French surname. As a family name, it is carried by individuals in diverse fields and contexts, reflecting the regional distribution of the name in France.