VERDICT: We gave 5 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
Medieval France Comes Alive at Pont d’Avignon
As we continued travelling south toward Nice, our next stop was the medieval city of Avignon. We had two nights here and couldn’t wait to finally see the famous Pont d’Avignon. Growing up, we’d heard about this bridge for years… and now we were finally about to walk across one of the most legendary bridges in France.
Before long, we had found parking near Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known around the world as Pont d’Avignon. And instantly, we realized we had arrived somewhere special.
From medieval walls and papal history to floods that destroyed most of the bridge, Pont d’Avignon became one of the most fascinating stops of our French road trip.
Massive medieval walls still surround the old city of Avignon, giving the entire area an atmosphere unlike almost anywhere else in France. We purchased our bridge tickets, approximately €5 per adult including the audio guide and incredibly, we were among the very first visitors crossing the bridge that morning. The audio guide helped bring centuries of history to life and was easy to use.
Pont Saint-Bénézet was originally constructed between 1177 and 1185 and became one of medieval Europe’s most important river crossings. The bridge once stretched nearly 900 metres across the powerful Rhône River with 22 arches connecting Avignon to the opposite riverbank. According to legend, a young shepherd named Bénézet claimed he was divinely inspired to build the bridge after hearing the voice of God. Avignon, in the 14th century, effectively became the centre of the Catholic world. Kings, popes, saints, military leaders, artists, and emperors all passed through this fortified city beside the Rhône River.
Today, only four arches remain. Over the centuries, repeated flooding from the Rhône caused catastrophic damage to the bridge. Massive floods repeatedly destroyed sections of it faster than they could realistically be repaired. Eventually, in the 17th century, the bridge was abandoned and left partially destroyed, exactly as visitors see it today.
And somehow… that’s what makes it even more fascinating. Standing on this famous broken bridge, looking back toward the towering Palais des Papes, felt surreal.
The Rhône River still looks incredibly powerful today, making it easy to understand why maintaining this crossing became nearly impossible. Stretching approximately 812 kms from the Swiss Alps through southeastern France into the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhône is often compared to the Mississippi River in the US.
Pont Saint-Bénézet forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Historic Centre of Avignon. It is also forever connected to the famous French song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon”. Interestingly, historians believe people likely danced beneath the bridge rather than on top of it because the bridge itself was too narrow.
Here are the opening verses of the famous traditional French song associated with Pont Saint-Bénézet:
Sur le pont d’Avignon,
L’on y danse, l’on y danse,
Sur le pont d’Avignon,
L’on y danse tout en rond.
Les beaux messieurs font comme ça,
Et puis encore comme ça,
Les beaux messieurs font comme ça,
Et puis encore comme ça.
English Meaning
On the bridge of Avignon,
People dance there, people dance there,
On the bridge of Avignon,
People dance there in a circle.
The fine gentlemen dance like this,
And then again like this,
The fine gentlemen dance like this,
And then again like this.
The bridge also carried major religious and royal importance during Avignon’s medieval peak, especially during the period when Avignon became home to the Popes in the 14th century.
We spent nearly an hour wandering the bridge, taking in the views, the history, and the atmosphere. This wasn’t just a bridge visit. It felt like stepping directly into medieval France. Three well known figures have also spent time in Avignon: Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte and even Vincent van Gogh!
Avignon’s Legendary Bridge (Unesco Heritage Site) Is Even Better in Real Life
Pont Saint-Bénézet forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Historic Centre of Avignon,” which was officially inscribed by UNESCO in 1995. The designation recognizes Avignon as one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval European city shaped by immense religious and political power during the 14th century, when the city became the seat of the Papacy.
The UNESCO listing includes several major landmarks connected to Avignon’s extraordinary history:
- Palais des Papes
- Pont Saint-Bénézet
- Avignon Cathedral
- the medieval city walls surrounding the old town
UNESCO specifically recognized Pont d’Avignon because it represents an exceptional example of medieval engineering and played a vital role in trade, travel, and communication across the Rhône River for centuries. During the Middle Ages, the bridge became one of the few major crossing points over the powerful Rhône, linking northern and southern Europe. Despite repeated destruction from catastrophic flooding, the remaining arches still symbolize the importance and ambition of medieval infrastructure.
The UNESCO designation also highlights how Avignon became a major centre of Western Christianity during the Avignon Papacy between 1309 and 1377. The bridge, cathedral, papal palace, and fortified walls together create one of the most historically significant medieval urban landscapes in Europe.
Today, millions of visitors come to Avignon not only for the famous bridge and song, but because the city offers a remarkably preserved glimpse into medieval Europe unlike almost anywhere else in France.
The Popes of Avignon (1309–1377)
Perhaps the most famous figures connected to Avignon are the seven popes who ruled from the city during the “Avignon Papacy,” when the papal court temporarily moved from Rome to France.
Notable Popes Include:
- Pope Clement V
The pope who moved the papal court to Avignon in 1309. - Pope John XXII
Expanded papal administration and greatly increased Avignon’s influence. - Pope Benedict XII
Began construction of the massive Palais des Papes. - Pope Clement VI
Known for lavish courts and major artistic patronage during Avignon’s golden era.
Historic Pont d’Avignon
🎯 Top 5 Things to see and do in Avignon
Avignon is one of the most historically important and visually striking cities in southern France. Surrounded by medieval walls and filled with papal history, Roman influence, cobbled streets, and Provençal charm, it’s a destination that feels like stepping back into another century
1. Pont Saint-Bénézet
The world-famous “Pont d’Avignon” is one of France’s most iconic landmarks. Originally built in the 12th century with 22 arches crossing the Rhône River, only four arches remain today after centuries of devastating floods. The bridge is also immortalized in the famous French song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.
2. Palais des Papes
One of the largest and most important Gothic palaces in Europe. During the 14th century, Avignon became the seat of the Catholic Church, and this immense fortress-palace housed the popes during the Avignon Papacy. The scale and architecture are extraordinary.
3. Avignon Cathedral
Located beside the Palace of the Popes, this Romanesque cathedral is crowned by a massive golden statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the city. The interior contains centuries of religious art and history.
4. Rocher des Doms
A peaceful hilltop garden beside the cathedral offering spectacular panoramic views over the Rhône River, Pont d’Avignon, and the surrounding Provençal countryside.
5. Avignon City Walls
The remarkably preserved medieval ramparts stretch for approximately 4.3 kilometres around the old city and are among the finest surviving fortified walls in France.
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