Pont d'Avignon is a Provence landmark of national importance

Pont d'Avignon is a Provence landmark of national importance which has become immortalized in one the most famous French songs.

“Sur le Pont d’Avignon l’on y dancer l’on y dancer tout en rond” goes the line which every French child learns in school or at holiday clubs. Somehow many a Francophile has also picked up the catchy tune.

I was intrigued to see what the Avignon bridge featured in the song, which dates back to the 15th century, was actually like and went out of my way to see it many years ago. Its most obvious feature is that part way across the river it simply ceases to exist, otherwise it is quite stunning. Apparently the 900 metre long structure built in the 12th century and actually called the Pont Saint Benezet part crumbled under the pressure of flood waters.

The interesting quirk about the song is that in the beginning it referred to the dancing which took place in the cafes which once stood on the island underneath the bridge, dancing on the bridge itself would not have been permitted.

The Pont d’Avignon is a beautiful monument particularly when seen before the backdrop of the magnificent Palais des Papes and the outer walls of the city of Avignon. Every time I return to Avignon I am always drawn back to look at it and can’t keep that bloomin tune out of my head.

There are many magnificent sights to see during a villa holiday in Provence if you can persuade your family to leave the comfort of your holiday home with pool. Indeed a holiday in France, almost anywhere offers more of cultural interest than almost any country in the world.

If you would like any assistance regarding the sights to see in Provence or finding a holiday house in France just send us an email with your criteria and questions or call using our freephone telephone number.