Pont Saint-Bénezet (Pont d'Avignon)

The Pont Saint-Bénezet, known throughout the world as the Pont d'Avignon from the children's song 'Sur le pont d'Avignon', is a medieval bridge that now stops abruptly in the middle of the Rhône. According to legend, its construction was begun in the late 12th century by a young shepherd named Bénezet, who was told by divine inspiration to build a bridge across the river. When completed, it stretched for some 900 metres and was one of the few crossings of the lower Rhône, linking Avignon with Villeneuve-lès-Avignon on the opposite bank.

The bridge was damaged and rebuilt several times, as the river's floods repeatedly swept away its arches, and it was finally abandoned in the 17th century. Four of its original arches survive. On one of the piers stands the small Chapel of Saint Nicholas, patron of boatmen, built on two levels. Walking out to the end of the bridge gives a striking view back to the ramparts, the Rocher des Doms and the Palais des Papes, and across the water to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Fort Saint-André.

The bridge is part of Avignon's UNESCO World Heritage Site and is entered through a visitor centre near the ramparts, which presents its history. It can be visited on its own or with a combined ticket for the Palais des Papes. For the classic view of the whole bridge, cross to the Île de la Barthelasse, especially at sunset.