Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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St. Bénezet Bridge (Pont St. Bénezet)
This bridge, whose construction and location were inspired by a shepherd's religious vis-
ion, is the “Pont d'Avignon” of nursery-rhyme fame. The ditty (which you've probably
been humming all day) dates back to the 15th century:
Sur le Pont d'Avignon, on y danse,
on y danse, sur le Pont d'Avignon, on y danse tous en rond
(“On the bridge of Avignon,
we will dance, we will dance, on the bridge of Avignon, we will dance all in a circle”).
But the bridge was a big deal even outside of its kiddie-tune fame. Built between
1171 and 1185, it was the only bridge crossing the mighty Rhône in the Middle
Ages—important to pilgrims, merchants, and armies. It was damaged several times by
