Discover the Saint-Bénézet Bridge
Have you always dreamed of seeing the famous Pont d’Avignon?
An iconic monument of the Avignon area, located less than 15 km from the campsite near Avignon, the world-renowned ‘Pont d’Avignon’ is more commonly known by its real name, ‘Pont Saint-Bénézet.’
Built in the 12th century, it originally stretched with 22 arches over the Rhône. The structure, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and internationally renowned, now only has 4 arches left, as the others were swept away by several floods throughout history.
A very ancient structure, the Avignon Bridge was for a long time the only crossing over the Rhône between the city of Lyon and the Mediterranean. In the 14th century, it served as a border post between the Kingdom of France and the Papal State. It quickly became indispensable to the cardinals of the papal court who had established their residences in Villeneuve and could thus easily reach the Papal Palace located behind the ramparts of Avignon. Take advantage of an Avignon cruise to see it up close.
The Pont d’Avignon houses two chapels, built on the third pillar: the Saint-Bénézet chapel and the Saint-Nicolas chapel which surmounts it, both in the Provençal Romanesque style which characterizes the entire structure. The relics of Saint Bénézet, named after the young shepherd to whom legend attributes the origin of the bridge, are preserved in the Saint-Nicolas chapel.
The Philippe-le-Bel Tower, built on the other bank in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon in 1185 after the completion of the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, also remains a part of the bridge’s history. Consult our map of Avignon to get an idea of other interesting sites in the city.
Visiter le pont d’Avignon
A permanent construction site due to its successive demolitions and reconstructions over the centuries, the Avignon Bridge is rich in a tumultuous history that researchers have endeavored to reconstruct.
A museum space is entirely dedicated to the history of the bridge’s construction and the various hazards it experienced, leading to its arrival with 18 of its arches missing.
It includes a 3D reconstruction of the entire structure as it may have existed and been in use in the mid-16th century.
Interactive multimedia displays make the visit fun and ideal for a family discovery of the famous bridge. The tour is self-guided, with audio guides available in 11 different languages.
Pont d’Avignon: opening hours and prices
Visits are possible every day of the year, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. from the beginning of November to the end of February, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in March, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in April, May, June, September and October, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in July and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in August.
Tickets cost €5 full price and €4 reduced price. Children under 8 years old have free admission. Many combined tour options are available, such as a €14.50 combined full-price ticket for a visit to the Popes’ Palace and the bridge.
