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Pont Saint-Bénézet, Avignon

Boulevard de la Ligne, Avignon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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.

Meta review

The bridge is world famous thanks to the song "Sur le Pont d'Avignon", although many would not know what it looks like. It is widely considered a must see when in the city, though not everybody is convinced that it is worth paying for as a visit lasts only 15-30mins; however, for many, it is about having walked (and danced) on the bridge and many reviewers came away positively surprised at its interesting history.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closing of the ticket office 30mins before the stated closing time

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:0h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Mar, 01

Season 1

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

Season 2

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

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
60 - 99
€4
Adult
18 - 59
€5
Child
8 - 17
€4
Infant
0 - 7
€0
Reduced price for students is €4. Price for Palace + Bridge is €14.5 and Bridge + Gardens is €8

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