Fort Saint-André, Medieval fortress on Mount Andaon, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France.
Description
Fort Saint-André is a medieval fortified complex in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon that rises on a hill above the Rhône River and stretches roughly 750 meters in length. The fortress features curtain walls, towers, crenellated battlements, and two fortified gates that controlled passage through the site.
History
King Philip the Fair ordered construction in 1292 to establish French royal control and protect trade routes against the neighboring papal territory. The fortress was built as a direct military counterweight to Avignon and its ecclesiastical power.
Culture
The site is named after Saint Andrew and served in the Middle Ages as a symbol of French power overlooking the papal territory. Visitors can still see the chapel and defensive passages that reveal how the garrison organized daily life within these walls.
Practical
The path to reach the fortress is steep, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time for the climb. The layout invites self-guided exploration, though uneven terrain requires careful footing throughout.
Did you know?
From the hilltop, visitors overlook the Papal Palace, the ancient Avignon bridge, and the tower built by Philip the Fair across the river. This view illustrates how closely the two competing power centers once faced each other.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Villeneuve-lès-Avignon).
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...
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...
Pont Saint-Bénézet
1.4 km
Charterhouse Notre-Dame du Val de Bénédiction
321 m
Abbaye Saint-André de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
233 m
Tower of Philip the Fair
941 m
Collégiale Notre-Dame
447 m
Pierre de Luxembourg museum
486 m
Chapelle Saint-Nicolas du pont Saint-Bénézet
1.4 km
Chapelle des pénitents gris
484 m
Livrée de la Thurroye
437 m
Calvet mansion
438 m
Livrée Rossi de Giffone
375 m
Roux
438 m
Tomb of Innocent VI
300 m
Pierre de Luxembourg mansion
492 m
Maison à arcades, 3 rue de l'hôpital, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
576 m
Chapelle Sainte-Casarie
128 m
Maison à arcades, 5 rue de l'hôpital, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
576 m
Maison à arcades, 9 rue de l'hôpital, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
576 m
Maison à arcades, 15 rue de l'hôpital, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
576 m
Houses with arcades in Hospital street
557 m
Maison à arcades, place de l'Église, rue de l'Hôpital
537 m
Maison, Rue des Peintres, Rue La-Tour
871 m
Porte de la rue principale
1.4 km
Maison à arcades, 7 rue de l'hôpital, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
576 m
Chapelle de l'Hospice
569 m
Maison à arcades, 13 rue de l'hôpital, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
576 m
Livrée cardinalice de Canilhac mansion
616 m
École Montolivet
684 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes