This famous bridge was first built to link the old town of Avignon to land across the wide River Rhone in Villeneuve Les Avignons. The original bridge ('pont') was built in the twelth century and stretched for around 900 metres and contained 22 arches.
The story goes that a shepard boy was told by God that it was his will to build a bridge in Avignon. The townspeople originally laughed at him, until the boy hefted a large stone on to his back and laid it in the river as the bridge's first stone. The bridge was the inspiration for the 15th century children's nursery rhyme 'Sur le pont d'Avignon' which now has world-wide recognition.
The bridge has since been destroyed by the flooding river and then rebuilt several times before reconstruction was finally abandoned in the 17th centruy. Only four arches remain today, but you can buy tickets to walk along the narrow footpath and use your imagination to think how it must have looked in it's full glory.
When to come
Open every day all year long. Last tickets sold one-half hour before the bridge closes.
- 1st September to 1st November: 9am to 7pm / 2nd November to 28th February: 9:30am - 5:45pm
- March: 9am to 6:30pm / 1st April to 30th June: 9am - 7pm
- July: 9am to 8pm
- August: 9am - 8:30pm
How to get passes
Prices:
Usual ticket price: 5€; discount ticket 4€; Schools: 3.50 €, free for accompanying parties with groups of 10 students. Palace/Bridge or Bridge/Palace combi-ticket: 13.50€
