Pont Saint-Bénézet: The Iconic Broken Bridge of Avignon

• HelloBonjour
  [Bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [O re-vwar]
• YesOui
  [Wee]
• NoNon
  [Non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [Seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [Mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [Ex-koo-zay mwa]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [Koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [Byen. Ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [Par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [Zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [Zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [Sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [O se-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [Al-lay voo on]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [Ah-pleh lah poh-leece]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [Ah-pleh zun may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [Zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [Zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [Zhuh voo-dray ash-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [Zhuh ruh-gard juhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [Kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [Say troh shehr]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [Poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [Kell er ay teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel ay oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [Dees er ay dem-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [Mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-preh mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [Yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [Oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Duh-man]
• 1Un
  [Un]
• 2Deux
  [Deuh]
• 3Trois
  [Twah]
• 4Quatre
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• 5Cinq
  [Sank]
• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
  [Set]
• 8Huit
  [Weet]
• 9Neuf
  [Nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [Dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [Oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kahnd ay luh proh-shen (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [Un b-yay (poor)]

The Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d'Avignon, was constructed in the late 12th century, specifically between 1177 and 1185. It was commissioned by a shepherd named Bénézet who claimed divine inspiration to build a bridge across the Rhône. This remarkable feat of engineering was crucial in facilitating trade and travel between the Kingdom of France and the Papal States, enhancing Avignon's significance as a commercial hub.

The bridge gained religious importance, as it connected the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims and travelers would cross the bridge, making it a vital link for those on spiritual journeys. The bridge's construction was seen as a testament to the faith and determination of the local community, with the Chapel of Saint Nicholas built on the bridge to serve as a place of worship.

Throughout the centuries, the Pont Saint-Bénézet faced numerous challenges, including flooding and erosion. Significant sections of the bridge were destroyed during floods in the 17th century, leading to various restoration projects. By the 18th century, only four arches remained from the original structure, symbolizing both the resilience and vulnerability of historic constructions in the region.

The Pont Saint-Bénézet has inspired countless artists and musicians, most notably the popular children's song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon' which celebrates the bridge and its cultural significance. This song has propagated the bridge's fame beyond French borders, embedding it into the cultural fabric of France and making it an emblematic symbol of Avignon's rich heritage.

In 1995, the Pont Saint-Bénézet was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. This status has further solidified its importance as a cultural landmark in Avignon, drawing visitors from across the globe to admire its beauty and learn about its storied past.

Pont Saint-Bénézet is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Avignon. If you are arriving by train, the Avignon TGV station is approximately 10 minutes away by taxi or local bus. From the city center, you can take bus line 5, which connects the central area to Pont Saint-Bénézet. Walking from the Palais des Papes takes around 15-20 minutes, crossing the iconic Pont d'Avignon along the way.

Pont Saint-Bénézet is a small area and can be explored on foot. For longer distances, public buses are available, and bicycles can be rented from local shops. The city is bike-friendly, with dedicated paths. Taxis are also an option, and ridesharing services operate in the area. Consider using the local tram system, which connects with various points of interest across Avignon.

Pont Saint-Bénézet is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to stay vigilant, particularly in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit streets. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty theft can occur, especially near popular attractions like the bridge and the Palais des Papes.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is located in the city center, and there are also pharmacies available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance to cover medical emergencies. Always keep a list of local emergency numbers handy.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for walking but avoid overly casual attire when visiting religious sites. Don’t wear beachwear or overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly when visiting churches. Cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do give your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t use your phone loudly in public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Bonjour' and a smile. Don’t assume familiarity; use formal titles unless invited otherwise. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like ratatouille and wines from the region. Don’t eat while walking in religious areas, as it can be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Pont Saint-Bénézet like a local, visit the area early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful ambiance before crowds arrive. Explore the local markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with local vendors and don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations on where to eat or what to see. Attend a performance at the nearby Palais des Papes if you can, as it offers a cultural experience that showcases Avignon's rich history.