Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Bridge · Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Pont Saint-Bénézet
The Avignon bridge from the children's song: four medieval arches that extend over the Rhône and stop in the middle of the river, with a small chapel on one of the piers.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Pont Saint-Bénézet
The Pont Saint-Bénézet is the bridge from the song Sur le pont d'Avignon, known to children around the world. According to tradition, a young shepherd named Bénézet began building it in 1177, on top of remains of Roman piers. When it was completed in 1185 it had 22 arches and about 900 metres, linking Avignon to the far bank of the Rhône.
The river's floods knocked down arches several times, and reconstructions were abandoned in the 17th century. Today four arches and around 160 metres remain, running from Avignon's bank and ending in the middle of the water. On one of the piers sits the chapel Saint-Bénézet and above it the chapel Saint-Nicolas.
The bridge is part of Avignon's historic ensemble listed by UNESCO. The visit is on foot, along the bridge deck itself, and a small exhibition area explains the bridge's history and trade on the Rhône in the Middle Ages.
From the bridge you can see the Palais des Papes, the ramparts and the Rocher des Doms. On the other side of the river you can make out Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and the Tour Philippe-le-Bel, which guarded the bridge entrance on the kingdom of France side.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the light hits the ramparts, or early in the morning. On mistral days the wind over the river is strong and cold: bring a jacket. Check opening times, which vary by season.
How to get there
The entrance is by the ramparts on boulevard de la Ligne, about a 5-minute walk from place du Palais. From Gare d'Avignon-Centre it's about a 20-minute walk through the centre.
Tip
To photograph the whole bridge, go to the Rocher des Doms or cross the Rhône via the Pont Daladier to the île de la Barthelasse: from there you can see the bridge with the palace in the background. The combined ticket with the Palais des Papes is usually worth it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Pont Saint-Bénézet
Why does the bridge stop in the middle of the river?
Rhône floods destroyed arches several times over the centuries. In the 17th century rebuilding was abandoned, and only the four arches on the Avignon side remained standing.
Can you see the bridge without paying?
Yes, from the outside. Rocher des Doms, the riverbank and the Daladier bridge give good views. To walk on the arches and enter the chapel you need a ticket.
What is the bridge's connection to the song?
The song Sur le pont d'Avignon, sung in France at least since the 15th century, mentions people dancing on the bridge. Many scholars believe the dance actually took place under the bridge, on the Île de la Barthelasse.