Fort Saint-André, Medieval fortress on Mount Andaon, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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