World Heritage-listed

The bridge of Avignon (“Pont Saint-Bénezet” from its historical name) is a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Beyond its historical value, it is also known worldwide for the children’s song that bears its name.

Built from the 12th century, it originaly linked the two banks of the Rhône. But today it only remains 4 arches out of the original 22. The bridge of Avignon takes its name from a young shepherd, Bénezet, who came down from the Ardèche mountains in 1177. He said he was sent by God to build a bridge in Avignon. At first, he was taken for a madman, and to prove it, the Avignon prelate gave him an impossible challenge : to load an enormous stone on his shoulders and throw it into the Rhone. But he succeeded ! Helped says the Legend by Divine intervention and some bathed angels ….

The Pont d’Avignon was damaged several times following wars and flooding of the Rhône river. And rebuilt several times. But reconstruction work ceased in the 17th century.