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 contains many historical subjects for photographers. The Papal Palace displays medieval architecture, the Saint-Bénézet bridge spans the Rhône river. The Rocher des Doms provides views of the city skyline. Place du Palais features historical buildings, while Rue des Teinturiers contains water wheels from past centuries.
This tour covers historical churches, monasteries and gardens in Avignon. The route includes the Romanesque Saint-Ruf Chapel, Rocher des Doms overlooking the Rhône, the baroque Mint building, and Petit Palais Museum with its Italian Renaissance paintings collection. Visitors also discover Rue des Teinturiers with its water wheels and Collection Lambert for contemporary art.
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
249 m
Saint-Bénézet chapel
21 m
Hôtel des Monnaies
361 m
Petit Palais in Avignon
189 m
Chapelle Saint-Nicolas du pont Saint-Bénézet
5 m
Maisons et tour de Mirault
339 m
Escaliers Sainte-Anne
353 m
Place du Palais
346 m
Golden pipe organ
318 m
Maison de la reine Jeanne
378 m
Jardin des Doms war memorial
292 m
Avignon - Rue de la Grande Fusterie 29
297 m
Immeubles, 28-30-32-34-36-38-40-42-44-46-48-50-52 rue de la Balance
310 m
Hôtel Jean de Sudre (Avignon)
230 m
Maison de la Reine Jeanne, 24 rue Saint-Étienne
378 m
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
383 m
Immeuble, 26 rue de la Balance
326 m
17 - 19 Place du Palais
320 m
Immeuble, rue de la Balance
351 m
Maison des Chartreux
348 mReviews
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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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