Pont Saint-Bénezet: reviews and practical tips

Pont Saint-Bénezet at a glance

Popularized by the famous children's song Sur le pont d'Avignon (On the Bridge of Avignon), the Pont Saint-Bénezet attracts over 300,000 visitors every year. A designated Unesco World Heritage site, it was built in 1171 by a young shepherd of the same name. Located on the left bank of the Rhône, north of Avignon, the bridge once stood on Imperial territory. It originally measured 920 meters long with 22 arches, though only 4 spans remain today. Despite its modest size, it retains two chapels: Saint-Bénezet on its third pier and the lovely Saint-Nicolas, patron saint of sailors, at its end. The Tour Philippe le Bel (Philip the Fair Tower) on the side of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon overlooks the area and once guarded access to the bridge.

For a long time, this was the only bridge connecting Lyon to the Mediterranean Sea. It functioned as a border checkpoint between the Papal States and France, complete with tolls and security inspections. In those days, most cargo moved by river, which explains the bridge's narrow width, as it was never designed for cart traffic.

While the notoriously unpredictable river was largely responsible for its eventual destruction, Louis VIII also ordered three-quarters of it demolished during his siege of the city. Later, during the floods of 1479, Louis XI ordered repairs. Because the structure was so expensive to maintain due to frequent flooding, it was largely abandoned starting in the 17th century.

While you certainly could not dance in a circle on top of the bridge like the 15th-century song suggests, history indicates people likely danced underneath it at an inn located on l'île de la Barthelasse, facing the Palais des papes (Palace of the Popes). While the visit itself is brief, it offers a pleasant walk and an interesting vantage point of the city. As an alternative, many cruises on the Rhône pass right by the bridge.