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| The Pont d'Avignon |
A legendary bridge, a major aspect of the history of Avignon and the Rhône River. The Avignon Bridge, also known as the “Pont Saint Bénezet”, was started in the 12th century. It was damaged and rebuilt many times over the course of its history, the victim of battles and floodwaters. During the 17th century, renovation work on the bridge was no longer undertaken. Click here to consult our bed and breakfast
 The shepherd named Bénezet was made a saint due in part to the miracle he performed in laying the first stone of the bridge. As for the history of the song – already in the 15th century there were several popular songs referring to the Pont d'Avignon. The beloved children’s song as it is known today was composed in the 19th century and comes from an operetta by Adolphe Adam called "l'Auberge Pleine". International success came a few years after with another operetta, performed in 1876 and entitled "Sur le Pont d'Avignon". However, it is important to point out that people never danced on the bridge. Merry dances took place under the bridge, on the banks of the Rhone, at the cheery river inns known as guinguettes..
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