The bridge was originally built on wooden piers before being replaced with stone arches in the 12th century.
The nursery rhyme 'Sur le pont d'Avignon' popularized the bridge, though the original lyrics referred to dancing 'under' the bridge on the island of Barthelasse.
Saint Nicholas Chapel, located on the bridge, contains the relics of Saint Bénézet, the shepherd said to have had a divine vision to build the bridge.
The bridge served as a critical crossing point between the Papal States of Avignon and the French kingdom on the opposite side of the Rhône.
Persistent flooding during the 17th century caused several arches to collapse, leading officials to abandon repairs.
The Bridge of Avignon, formally known as the Pont Saint-Bénézet, is a medieval bridge featuring four remaining arches that extend partially into the Rhône river. Constructed in the 12th century, the bridge originally spanned over 900 meters and contained 22 stone arches. Frequent flooding and the collapse of sections led to its abandonment as a transit route in the 17th century. The site includes the Saint Nicholas Chapel, which stands on the second pier of the bridge. The structure is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the nearby Palais des Papes. It currently terminates mid-river rather than connecting to the opposite bank. The site is managed by the city of Avignon and functions as a heritage monument and viewing platform.
The riverbank path below the bridge, looking up at the arches against the silhouette of the city walls.
Visit the multimedia museum space at the entrance to access historical reconstructions before walking onto the bridge.
Walk to the very end of the accessible section for an unobstructed view of the Palais des Papes and the river.
Bring a hat or sunscreen, as there is no shade available while walking on the stone structure.
Avoid assuming the bridge still connects to the other side of the river; it is a dead-end structure.
Open daily year-round, though access may be restricted during extreme wind conditions or high river levels.
Respect the historic stonework by not climbing on the ruined parapets.
