This world famous bridge, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, straddles the Rhone River in Avignon, France. The bridge was built around 1180 AD but fell into disrepair over the years until it was abandoned in the 16th century. When it was built, it was the only fixed river crossing between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.   It also formed the only river crossing between the Comtat Venaissin (an enclave controlled by the Pope in Avignon), and France proper under the authority of the King of France.