Pont Saint-Bénézet, Avignon
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Pont Saint-Bénézet, Avignon - by Hans from Pixabay
Description
The Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d'Avignon, is a medieval bridge that used to span the Rhone river and of which four arches, the Saint Nicholas Chapel, and a drawbridge have survived. The bridge was built in the 13th century and comprised of 22 arches with a total length of nearly 900m, following a curved path (to take advantage of some islands) to connect with Villeneuve-lès-Avignon on the opposite bank. The bridge fell into disrepair in the 17th century after a flood swept away part of the structure and it isn't until the 19th century that a new bridge was built over the Rhone within the city - in the meanwhile crossing was done by ferry.
Access & Transport
The bridge is located on the northern edge of the centre of town, on the south bank of the Rhone river, 200m north of the Palais des Papes and 1.2km north of the train station. Avignon is 45km northeast of Nîmes (A9/N100), 100km northwest of Marseille on the A7 and 220km south of Lyon on the A7. There are also trains to those cities but the High-Speed train (TGV) station is 4km from the historic center of town.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining this activity with a visit of the Palais des Papes and an exploration of the town of Avignon.
Environmental & Social
No environmental impact and preserves the town's architectural and historical heritages
Conclusion
The Pont d'Avignon is an icon of the city and is a must-see but whether it is worth the entrance fee is another matter. We think not, unless you have some childhood emotional attachment to the song.
Key positive
Opportunity to learn about the bridge background and original architecture
Key negative
Not much more to see by visiting than from the riverbank
Suitability
Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 30m
Start of Season 1:Mar, 01
MONDAY09:00 - 19:00
TUESDAY09:00 - 19:00
WEDNESDAY09:00 - 19:00
THURSDAY09:00 - 19:00
FRIDAY09:00 - 19:00
SATURDAY09:00 - 19:00
SUNDAY09:00 - 19:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 04
MONDAY10:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00