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must-visit in AvignonSightseeing

Pont St-bénézet

📍 Avignon, 84000, Provence-Alpes-Cote-dAzur, France
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4.5/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
France, Avignon
Category
Sightseeing
Duration
1 hour
Address
Avignon, 84000, Provence-Alpes-Cote-dAzur, France
Coordinates
43.9550, 4.8060

Introduction

The Pont Saint-Bénézet, commonly known as the Pont d'Avignon or the broken bridge, spans the Rhône and is one of Avignon's best-known landmarks. First built in the 12th century, it was in medieval times an important link between the two banks and on the pilgrimage route, originally with more than twenty arches; repeatedly destroyed by floods, it fell out of use, and today only a few arches reach into the river, giving the bridge its distinctive broken outline. It belongs with the Palais des Papes and the cathedral to the historic centre of Avignon, a World Heritage Site. Panels on the bridge tell its legend and history, and from the bridgehead you can look over the Rhône, the new town opposite and the Rocher des Doms where the palace stands — a must when visiting Avignon.

✨ Highlights

01
The broken outline
After repeated flood damage only a few arches reach into the river, giving the bridge its distinctive shape.
02
12th-century origins
First built in the 12th century, it was a key link between the banks and on the pilgrimage route.
03
History on the bridge
Panels on the bridge tell its legend and history, including its rise and decay.
04
Views of the Rhône and the palace
From the bridgehead you can see the Rhône, the town opposite and the Rocher des Doms.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time needed：About 30–45 minutes
→Notes：The bridge is open and windy — bring a windproof jacket
→Opening Hours：Open daily; hours vary by season, so check ahead
→Ticket Information：Going onto the bridge is ticketed, often with combination tickets for the Palais des Papes
→Transportation：In Avignon's historic centre, a few minutes on foot from the Palais des Papes

💡 Tips

• The bridge is open and windy, and the summer sun is strong — balance sun protection with warmth.
• Combination tickets with the Palais des Papes and the cathedral are often available; compare prices first.
• At dusk, looking back at the bridge from the Rocher des Doms or the far bank gives the best silhouette.
• The panels on the bridge are modest in scale; linger if the history interests you.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Pont St-bénézet?

Open daily; hours vary by season, so check ahead

How much is the admission for Pont St-bénézet?

Going onto the bridge is ticketed, often with combination tickets for the Palais des Papes

Any practical tips for visiting Pont St-bénézet?

The bridge is open and windy, and the summer sun is strong — balance sun protection with warmth. Combination tickets with the Palais des Papes and the cathedral are often available; compare prices first.

How long should I spend at Pont St-bénézet?

A typical visit takes 1 hour.