Saint Benedict Bridge over the Rhone River in Avignon, Vaucluse (France)

In the 12th century, a young shepherd named Benedict of Avignonheard heard a celestial voice that asked him to build a bridge to cross the Rhône. After asking permission from the bishop of Avignon, Bénézet (Benedict) began its construction. It was completed in 1185 and constituted the first passage over the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean.

Legend about this bridge

Pont Saint-Benezet over the Rhone River in Avignon, Vaucluse (France)

Vignes du Languedoc, oliviers des Alpines,
Toi qui dresses si haut ton front neigeux, Ventoux,
Alpes du Dauphiné, forêts, monts et collines,
Dans la plaine à vos pieds que regardez-vous tous ?

Les pics et les coteaux, les vignes et les chênes,
Étageant leurs gradins en cercle à l'horizon,
Regardent au milieu des mûriers, dans les plaines,
Près du Rhône qui luit, la hautaine Avignon.

Avignon, by Jean Aicard 

Saint Bénézet Bridge spanning the Rhone River in Avignon, Vaucluse (France)

The Palais des Papes, an austere-looking fortress lavishly decorated by Simone Martini and Matteo Giovanetti, dominates the city, the surrounding ramparts and the remains of a 12th-century bridge over the Rhone. Beneath this outstanding example of Gothic architecture, the Petit Palais and the Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-des-Doms complete an exceptional group of monuments that testify to the leading role played by Avignon in 14th-century Christian Europe.

Avignon described as 

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pont Saint-Bénézet over the Rhone River in Avignon, Vaucluse (France)

Sur le pont d'Avignon,

L'on y danse, l'on y danse,

Sur le pont d'Avignon

L'on y danse tous en rond.

Children song