Pont Saint-Bénézet, Medieval arch bridge in Avignon, France
The Pont Saint-Bénézet is a medieval stone crossing over the Rhône in Avignon, now reduced to four arch segments. The construction displays Romanesque workmanship with massive piers that once supported a total length of roughly 900 meters.
The crossing originated in 1177 following the initiative of a shepherd named Bénézet, who claimed divine instruction to build it. Repeated flooding in the 17th century destroyed large sections, until repairs were finally abandoned.
The structure gained lasting fame through a folk song that describes dancing on it, though performers actually danced beneath the arches on the island below. The tune remains one of the most recognized children's songs across France.
Access is through the Palais des Papes with combined tickets covering several monuments. Audio guides in multiple languages explain the construction and help with orientation along the remaining span.
A small Romanesque chapel sits on the third pier and once held the relics of Bénézet, the young shepherd who prompted the construction. His body was later moved to the church of Saint-Didier in the city.
Location: Avignon
Inception: 1177
Architects: Jean de Tensanges
Official opening: 1185
Width: 4 m
Made from material: stone
Address: 29, quai de la Ligne
GPS coordinates: 43.95389,4.80500
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:03
Avignon in southeastern France offers photographers many historical subjects to capture. The Papal Palace displays medieval architecture with large stone walls and Gothic details. The Saint-Bénézet bridge crosses the Rhône river and stands as a recognizable landmark of the city. From Rocher des Doms, visitors see the entire old town and surrounding landscape. The old city is enclosed by ancient walls and contains many worthwhile places to photograph. Place du Palais is framed by historical buildings, while Rue des Teinturiers preserves old water wheels from earlier times. Several museums, churches, and theaters throughout the city offer photographic interest. The Île de la Barthelasse provides green spaces and a different perspective of the city. Nearby Avignon, other important locations await exploration. Pont du Gard is a remarkable Roman structure. Villeneuve-lès-Avignon across the river features Fort Saint-André and Tour Philippe-le-Bel. This region combines architecture from different periods and offers engaging scenes for photographers.
Avignon holds more than its most famous sights. This route moves through churches, monasteries, and gardens that often go unnoticed by passing travelers. The path begins at Chapelle Saint-Ruf, a Romanesque structure, and leads to Rocher des Doms, where views open across the Rhône. The Hôtel des Monnaies displays baroque design, while Musée du Petit Palais houses Italian Renaissance paintings. Rue des Teinturiers, with its old water wheels, speaks to the city's craft traditions. Collection Lambert shows contemporary art within its modern spaces. Other places like Synagogue d'Avignon, Île de la Barthelasse, and Les Halles reveal how people actually move through and use the city. The Palais du Roure keeps local stories alive. The Jardin des Carmes offers a quiet corner for rest. The chapels built by the Pénitents—both black and white—mark religious brotherhoods that shaped life here from medieval times through the 1700s. Across the river in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon stand Fort Saint-André, Chartreuse du Val de Bénédiction, and Tour Philippe-le-Bel. This collection shows Avignon not as a single monument but as a living place where history, art, and daily routines have layered themselves over many centuries.
Avignon city wall
129 m
Avignon Cathedral
318 m
Musée du Petit Palais
167 m
Historic Centre of Avignon
152 m
Monuments d'Avignon
178 m
Jardin des doms
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Saint-Bénézet chapel
21 m
Hôtel des Monnaies
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Petit Palais in Avignon
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Chapelle Saint-Nicolas du pont Saint-Bénézet
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Maisons et tour de Mirault
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Escaliers Sainte-Anne
353 m
Place du Palais
346 m
Golden pipe organ
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Maison de la reine Jeanne
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Jardin des Doms war memorial
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Avignon - Rue de la Grande Fusterie 29
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Immeubles, 28-30-32-34-36-38-40-42-44-46-48-50-52 rue de la Balance
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Hôtel Jean de Sudre (Avignon)
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Maison de la Reine Jeanne, 24 rue Saint-Étienne
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Maison, 15 place du Palais
321 m
Maison, 8 rue Pente-Rapide-d'Avignon
273 m
Maison, 21 place du Palais
268 m
Avignon - Anciens immeubles, quai de la Ligne
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Immeuble, 26 rue de la Balance
326 m
17 - 19 Place du Palais
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Immeuble, rue de la Balance
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Maison des Chartreux
348 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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So well known for that song we had in our heads as children! The bridge itself is not very spectacular, but it's still worth a visit!
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