Monuments d'Avignon, Medieval monuments in Avignon, France

The monuments of Avignon are a collection of medieval and historical structures in the city, led by the Papal Palace, which occupies a large area and contains numerous rooms. The ramparts surround the city with high walls and several gates, while the Saint Benezet Bridge spans across the river.

The Papal Palace was built in the 14th century when Avignon became a temporary seat of the papacy and grew in importance. The fortification walls were constructed during this period to protect the expanding city and reflect its political power.

The Hôtel des Monnaies faces the main entrance of the Palais des Papes. A Latin inscription on a white marble plaque records its 1619 rebuilding under vice-legate Jean-François de Bagni and its dedication to Pope Paul V. The baroque facade carries the arms of Cardinal Borghese's family, eagles and dragons. It housed the national music conservatory from 1860 until 2007, later named after Avignon-born composer Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992).

The old town is enclosed by 14th-century ramparts about 4 km long, with 39 towers and seven main gates; the former moats were filled in and turned into car parks. The Papal Palace and the Saint-Bénezet bridge are UNESCO World Heritage sites, so allow time to walk between them on foot.

The song says people dance on the bridge, but its width never allowed it; older versions of the song place the dancing under the bridge, on banks laid out below the arches.