Things to Do in Lyon: Top Attractions & Tourist Spots (2024)

3. Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont d'Avignon)

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BridgesHistorical Sites

老二连The bridge of Saint-Benezer, also known as the bridge of Avignon, is a famous medieval bridge in the southern French city of Avignon. The inspiration for the French national song "On the bridge of Avignon" was the 22-hole stone bridge built in the 12th century, which became world famous. The bridge was originally about 900 meters long, but it collapsed due to frequent flooding and had to be rebuilt many times. After the huge flood in 1668, most of the bridge was washed out and finally no longer used. It has since been abandoned and no one has tried to repair it. The surviving arches have also collapsed or been demolished, and only 4 of the original 22 arches have been preserved today. Standing on the broken bridge in the Rhone River, looking around, you can better understand the vicissitudes of the ancient city, and the broken bridge has become a scenic spot in Avignon. According to legend, the bridge's architectural design was inspired by the local shepherd, St. Beneze, and an angel ordered him to build a bridge across the river. He was initially mocked, but miraculously he removed huge stones to prove that he had God's help, and won the support of the rich. The bridge was also the place where the Rhododendrons worshiped their patron saint, Saint Nicholas. They first worshiped at the old chapel of Saint Nicholas on the bridge (where Saint Benezer's body was buried), but the bridge was in disrepair, causing clergy to fear the bridge's collapse and refuse to attend the ceremony. In the 18th century, a new chapel was built on the land at the bridge's head on the side of the bridge in Avignon. The bridge is strategically important, the only fixed bridge between Lyon and the Mediterranean, and the only bridge between the papal territory of Avignon and the French mainland under the control of the French king, so both sides of the river are guarded and guarded. On the left bank controlled by the French royal family, the powerful Philip IV tower and the castle of the new city of Avignon were built. On the side of Avignon, large gate buildings were built in the 14th century (substantial modifications in the 15th century) through gates, through walls and a ramp to enter the city.

Avignon

519m from Avignon City Center