The fortress was constructed primarily to supervise and intimidate the papacy, which resided in Avignon during the 14th century.
The twin towers of the gatehouse, known as the Tours Jumelles, were originally accessed via a drawbridge.
It served as a state prison during the 17th and 18th centuries.
The complex is built on the site of a former 10th-century Benedictine monastery.
The fort's masonry contains various stone-cutter marks that reveal the specific guilds responsible for individual sections of the wall.
Fort Saint-André is a 14th-century royal fortress located on Mont Andaon, overlooking the Rhône Valley. Commissioned by King Philip the Fair, it was designed to assert French royal authority over the neighboring papal city of Avignon. The site retains its original twin-towered monumental gatehouse and defensive ramparts. Visitors can access the perimeter walls to view the Palais des Papes and the surrounding landscape. The site also encompasses the former Benedictine Abbaye Saint-André and its terraced gardens. Archaeological remains within the enclosure reflect its history as a strategic military outpost and prison. The structure serves as an example of Capetian defensive architecture in the Languedoc region.
From the top of the southern rampart looking east toward the Palais des Papes and the Rhône River.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the internal grounds feature uneven medieval paving and steep stone stairs.
Bring sun protection, as the ramparts offer very little shade during midday hours.
Combine your visit with the adjacent Abbaye Saint-André gardens for a more comprehensive experience.
Do not mistake the modern town center of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon for the fortress entrance; the site is situated on a significant hill requiring a steep climb from the lower town.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year and generally closed on major public holidays.
