Pont Saint-Bénézet
Pont Saint-Bénézet features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Avignon. Give it roughly ~30 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type bridge
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Avignon Avignon guide
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About Pont Saint-Bénézet
The ruined medieval bridge of the nursery song, now only four arches reaching partway across the Rhone, with a chapel on one pier and a founding legend.
The Pont Saint-Benezet, known worldwide as the Pont d'Avignon, is a ruined medieval bridge over the Rhone. A first bridge is traditionally dated to 1177-1185 and, after damage during the 1226 siege of Avignon, was rebuilt in stone. At its greatest extent it ran roughly 900 metres on about 22 arches, crossing to the far bank at Villeneuve. Repeated Rhone floods destroyed its arches, rebuilding became too costly, and the bridge was abandoned in the mid-17th century after major flooding around 1668.
Only four arches and the Avignon gatehouse survive today, together with the two-level Chapel of Saint Nicholas on the second pier. The bridge is celebrated in the children's song 'Sur le pont d'Avignon,' though people more likely danced beside or beneath it on the Ile de la Barthelasse. A ticketed monument managed with the Palais des Papes, it forms part of the Historic Centre of Avignon inscribed by UNESCO in 1995.
Did you know? The founding legend says a shepherd named Benezet, guided by a heavenly voice, proved his mission by lifting a massive stone before a doubting crowd; it is folklore, not documented history.
How long is a visit to Pont Saint-Bénézet?
Set aside roughly ~30 min for Pont Saint-Bénézet. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Pont Saint-Bénézet worth your time?
Pont Saint-Bénézet is among the 13 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Avignon, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Avignon
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Pont Saint-Bénézet and read more:
Day 2 of the Avignon in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Pont Saint-Bénézet
Preview the Avignon tour free in the Gingerguide app.