A weekend jaunt to Avignon was quick and easy aboard the TGV from Antibes. The 3-hour train trip got us into town with plenty of time to take in all the aspects of the legendary Avignon Bridge before heading out to dinner.
Although, it’s known as the le Pont d’Avignon after the well-known children’s song, the real name of the famous Avignon Bridge is le Pont Saint-Bénézet after the legendary little shepherd boy who, as a result of his miraculous strength, was able to fulfill his architectural destiny in the form of this 12th-century bridge across the Rhône River. Unfortunately, Saint-Bénézet died in the year 1184, never getting to see the completion of his life’s work. The chapel housing his tomb was built atop the bridge in its last phase of completion, where his remains were kept until they were moved to Avignon’s lavish Celestine monastery in 1674. Through the course of time, weather, and the turbulent Rhône River, the bridge has been greatly damaged, and only the chapel and four out of the original 22 arches remain, jutting out only part way into the river, never reaching the other side.
Saint-Bénézet with his Eponymous Bridge
Pont Saint-Bénézet on Rue des Teintures
Pont Saint-Bénézet jutting into the Rhône River
I love Avignon. But I didn't remember that the bridge doesn't go all the way across...hmmm...why don't I?
Meilleurs voeux!!
Posted by: blueVicar | Sunday, 26 October 2008 at 06:30 PM