Pont d'Avignon on the Rhone River is located near the Palais des Papes. He is known for several reasons. This bridge has been immortalized in a children's song of the XV century «Sur le Pont d'Avignon», sung by children around the world. For example, in China it even taught in school. In XX century, this song performed inimitable Mireille Mathieu.

Of course, the Pont d'Avignon also has historical value. The legend about him is very beautiful. In the XII century the 12 year old boy Benoit was divine vision. The angel told him to go and build a bridge over the river. And Benoit began to build a small bridge. Construction was delayed for 8 years and was with 1177 for 1185 years. Later, a small Benoit became known as the Holy d'Avignon, and his name is the bridge.

Upon completion, the bridge has 22 arches span and length of 915 m and connects France and the Papal States. It was the first crossing for travelers and traders on their way to the Rhone from the sea. There were border posts, as well as collection points for taxes and duties.

Rhone restless character caused numerous injuries this facility. The first arch of the bridge collapsed in 1603, and then, in 1605, destroyed three arches. However, in 1628, all four were restored span. New collapse happened a few years after the opening of the renewed bridge - in 1633 two arches collapsed, and in 1669 after severe flooding on the Rhône there are only four span. It has survived only these four flights, and Chapel of St. Nicholas on the second pole, a mixed Romanesque-Gothic style.

The two-storey Chapel of St. Nicholas, located in the center of the dilapidated bridge - served as the burial place of St. Benedict, the patron saint of Provence. In 1674, the saint's relics were moved to Avignon Celestine Church, but during the French Revolution saint's relics were lost.