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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
