The secrets of the Avignon bridge
The Saint-Bénézet bridge, better known as the Avignon bridge, is the second stop in our series dedicated to legendary bridges.
It is a symbol of the city, known all over the world. Officially, it is not called the Avignon bridge, but the Saint-Bénézet bridge. A building dating from the 12th century, but above all a heritage in Avignon (Vaucluse) for all those who love history, and even little stories.
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The legends of the Saint-Bénézet bridge, Philippe Bonfiglio, tour guide in Avignon for almost 20 years, knows them very well. This bridge is more than his office, it’s a passion. “This bridge has everything going for it: the legend, exceptional dimensions, important historical facts, a song,” he explains.
The song, therefore, that everyone knows, or almost. Many foreign tourists come to discover the Pont d’Avignon thanks to her. It dresses 350,000 visitors a year. But behind the melody, there is the historical heritage.
Its construction began in the 12th century. To build its 22 arches over 900 meters long to Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, there was originally the project of one man: the famous Bénézet. Pride of the inhabitants, the Pont d’Avignon, just like the Palace of the Popes, makes the city shine and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
TF1 | Report L. Huré, S. Fargeot