Visit of the Fortress of Saint André

Museums & Monuments

Just a few kilometers from Avignon, opposite the Palais des Papes, this masterpiece of military architecture offers a breathtaking view of Mont Ventoux, the Alpilles and the Luberon !

€7.00 Free with the Pass!

Contact

57, Rue Montée du Fort
30400 Villeneuve lez Avignon

+33 490 25 45 35
lefort-saint-andre@monuments-nationaux.fr
www.fort-saint-andre.fr

  • Young visitors' booklet available in French and tour application on Google Play and Apple store available in French and English
  • An introductory room with a video and panels in French is available at the start of the tour.
  • Number of steps: 200 -Please bring good shoes
Horaires d'ouverture

June 1 - July 14 and August 19 - September 30
10am - 1pm and 2pm - 6pm
July 15 to August 18 inclusive
9am - 1pm (last entry at 12pm) and 2pm - 6pm (last entry at 5pm)
October 1st to May 31st
10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Last access to monument, one hour before closing time
Closed on January 1, May 1, November 1 and 11 and December 25

Accessibility

  • Animaux de soutien acceptés
  • Dogs on leash accepted
  • A film presenting the monument with French subtitles is available on a tablet at reception
  • Booklet in FALC language (easy to read and understand) on request 
  • Documentation available in Braille, raised plan, tactile model or audiodescription device at reception on request

Access conditions

  • Accueil Vélo brand

  • From Avignon Centre station, Fort Saint-André is accessible by bus on line 5.

    From June 20 to September 1, from 10:00 am, free shuttle service from the Piot relay parking lot to the historic center of Villeneuve Lez Avignon and tourist sites (St André Fort stop).  For timetables, click on the following link https://www.orizo.fr/se-deplacer/horaires/depliants-horaires-ete-2024

  • From Nîmes: A 9, exit n° 23, N 100 towards Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon - From Avignon: A 7, exit n° 23, exit n° 24, N 100 towards Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon 

    From Aix-en-Provence: A 7, exit n° 23, exit n° 24, N 7 towards Avignon then towards Villeneuve-Lez-Avignon

Additional information

Fortress of Saint André, Villeneuve lez Avignon

On Mont Andaon, Fort Saint André was commissioned by Philippe IV le Bel and built under Jean II le Bon in the 14th century. This immense 750-meter-long fortification, built to protect the Abbey of Saint André and the town, enabled the King of France to assert his power in the region.

From Avignon, on the other side of the Rhône and from even farther away, you can clearly see the fort standing proudly. But it is only once you are there  that you can fully appreciate  the strategic position of this fort dominating the Rhône valley. From the top of its parapet walk, you can observe the Popes 's Palace across the way, the Philippe IV le Bel tower, the saint André abbey encompassed within the fort's defensive  walls, the chartreuse's monastery in the village below and the entire surroundings countryside. 

You can walk among the vestiges of the old medieval village and the chapel, visit the fort's buildings and rooms that have remained intact and learn about the aspects of military life from the Middle Ages up to the french revolution.

Un fort, un fleuve: le Rhône" exhibition

From 13 June to 3 November 2024

Free

Cette exposition présente la géographie du fleuve, les mythes et légendes qu’il a suscitées, les usages et notamment activités commerciales qui se sont développées autour, à Villeneuve et Avignon, et enfin les enjeux écologiques liés à sa préservation.

Découvrez les croyances et légendes liées au Rhône (ferveur des mariniers, légendes de la Tarasque et autres dragons) ; le Rhône comme source d’inspiration de Frédéric Mistral, source de vie avec sa faune, sa flore et ses enjeux écologiques présents.
Projetez-vous au temps où le Rhône baignait le pied du Mont Andaon avec l’approvisionnement des marchandises, les métiers liés au fleuve, les îles entre Avignon et Villeneuve, les inondations de l’époque…
Enfin découvrez le 7eme régiment des pontonniers à Villeneuve, la contrebande de sel entre Avignon et le royaume de France, la batellerie et les questions de territoires liés au fleuve.
Une maquette de moulin-bateau sera exposée avec démonstration de calfatage (art d’étanchéifier les lames de bois avec des fibres végétales) et autres ateliers

Le Fort St André