Saint Bénézet, a shepherd from the Vivarais, is said to have received a vision calling him to build a bridge over the Rhône around 1177; the bridge was completed in 1185. Its 22 arches were repeatedly damaged by floods and by the 17th century only four arches and the Chapelle Saint-Nicolas remained. The song 'Sur le pont d'Avignon, on y danse' was a 19th-century creation, because people danced on the island below rather than on the bridge itself. Today visitors walk out along the surviving arches with audio guides and views of the Palais des Papes.
| Admission | About EUR 6-7 (~$7-8) alone; EUR 17 (~$20) combined with the Palais des Papes |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily; typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (confirm locally) |
| Address | Rue Ferruce, 84000 Avignon, France |
Why it matters
The famous bridge of the song 'Sur le pont d'Avignon', once 900 m long and now ending mid-river after repeated flood damage.
Site facts
- Built
- 1177-1185
- Architect
- Saint Bénézet (traditionally)
- Style
- Romanesque / medieval
- UNESCO listing
- Yes, part of the Historic Centre of Avignon (1995)
Location
Rue Ferruce, 84000 Avignon, France
43.9546, 4.8014 View on map
Highlights
- Four surviving arches over the Rhône
- Two-storey Chapelle Saint-Nicolas on the bridge
- Views of the ramparts and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
- Exhibition on Saint Bénézet and Rhône navigation
Tips for visiting
- Visit at the start or end of the day for fewer crowds.
- The wind on the bridge can be strong; hold hats and maps.
- Consider the combined palace ticket to save money.
When to visit
Late afternoon for golden light on the Rhône.
Accessibility
Steps and open surface in wind; partial access to the chapel.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate ticket?
A combined palace and bridge ticket is about EUR 17 (~$20); bridge alone is lower; confirm at palais-des-papes.com or avignon-tourisme.com.
Can you cross to the other bank?
No; the bridge ends mid-river. Cross by the Pont Édouard Daladier to see it from the Île de la Barthelasse side.