The Pont Saint-Bénézet, known worldwide as the Pont d'Avignon from the nursery song, is a ruined medieval bridge reached from Rue Ferruce on the edge of Avignon's old town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. Built in the 12th century and repeatedly damaged by Rhône floods, it originally ran about 900 metres across the river, but today only four of its 22 arches survive, ending abruptly midstream. The small Chapelle Saint-Nicolas, built on one of the piers, has a Romanesque lower chapel and a Gothic upper chapel. According to tradition, the shepherd Bénézet was told by a divine voice to build the bridge, and his relics were once kept in the chapel. Visitors walk out along the bridge deck to the end of the surviving section, passing exhibition panels and a short audiovisual presentation inside the entrance building, which explains the bridge's construction and the song's history. The visit usually takes about an hour. The best photographs of the bridge are not from the bridge itself but from the Rocher des Doms gardens, the riverside Quai de la Ligne, and across the Rhône on Île de la Barthelasse, where the arches sit in front of the papal palace and ramparts. The site is exposed to the wind and the mistral can make the walk uncomfortable. Crowds are heaviest from late morning to mid-afternoon in summer, and quietest at opening time or near closing. The bridge is part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Avignon and is a five-minute walk from the Palais des Papes, with which it shares a combined ticket.
| Admission | EUR 6-7 (~$7-8) alone; combined with Palais about EUR 17 (~$20) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily; roughly 09:00-19:00 in summer, shorter hours in winter |
| Typical visit | 1 hour |
| Best time | Early morning or late afternoon, outside July festival peak |
| Getting there | Walk; 5 min from Palais des Papes |
| Address | Rue Ferruce, 84000 Avignon |
Location
Rue Ferruce, 84000 Avignon
43.9525, 4.8052 View on map
Highlights
- Four surviving arches ending midstream over the Rhône
- Two-level Chapelle Saint-Nicolas on the bridge pier
- Audiovisual presentation on the legend of Bénézet and the nursery song
- Views of the Palais des Papes and ramparts from the bridge deck
Tips for visiting
- The combined Palais + Pont ticket is about EUR 17 and saves money over separate entries.
- Photograph the bridge from the Rocher des Doms or Île de la Barthelasse rather than from on it.
- Visit on a still day, as the mistral wind makes the open bridge cold and gusty.
- Wear a hat in summer, as there is almost no shade on the bridge.
- Go early or late to avoid tour groups.
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon gives softer light and fewer visitors, ideally outside the July festival peak. Avoid windy mistral days.
Accessibility
The entrance building is generally accessible, but the bridge has steps and uneven stone, and the chapel may be hard to reach for wheelchair users. Visitors with limited mobility should ask at the ticket desk.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Pont d'Avignon take?
About an hour is enough, including the exhibition and the walk out to the last arch.
Can visitors walk across the bridge to the other side?
No, the bridge stops midstream after four arches. The far bank is reached via the modern Pont Édouard Daladier or the river shuttle.
Is it worth it for kids?
Many children enjoy the song and the walk onto the river, and the short audiovisual helps. Parents should supervise near the open parapets.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed on the bridge and in the chapel for personal use.