The Bridge of Avignon

The Pont Saint-Bénézet, widely known as the Bridge of Avignon, terminates abruptly in the middle of the Rhône, with only four of its original twenty-two stone arches still standing. Built in the late twelfth century, the bridge once spanned over nine hundred meters to connect Avignon with Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. It was the only bridge between Lyon and the Mediterranean, making it an essential crossing for merchants and pilgrims.