Tower of Philip the Fair

To make a day of it

Tour Philippe-le-Bel stands in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon (Gard), in the Occitanie region of France. The building is listed as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 14th century, 15th century, 16th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

In Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, on the right bank of the Rhône facing the Palace of the Popes, the Philippe-le-Bel tower once guarded the French end of the Saint-Bénézet bridge. Built around the turn of the 14th century following an agreement between the king and the abbot of Saint-André, it replaced an earlier tower raised in 1185 and later destroyed. Its top floor, added around 1360 in a Gothic style, was meant to help keep watch over marauding mercenaries active in the area. Visitors come mainly for the tower's imposing bulk and for the view from its summit over Avignon and the river.

Written from Tour Philippe-le-Bel

What to know

• The tower has been listed as a historical monument since 1862.
• Visiting involves climbing the tower's stairs to the top, which requires a reasonable level of fitness.
• The tower stands in the centre of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, right by the Saint-Bénézet bridge and facing the Palace of the Popes.
• No verified information on opening hours, prices or accessibility is available here.

Practical information

Visit duration

Not verified

Wheelchair access

Not verified

Dogs

Not verified

Parking

Not verified

Where this château is

Villeneuve-lès-Avignon · Gard · Occitanie

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

Rue Mnt de la Tour, 30400 Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

Get directionsView on a map

Château phone number

+33 4 32 70 08 57

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The safest check before setting off: today’s hours, guided-tour availability, where to park.

4.4 / 5from 978 Google reviews

Heritage status

Listed historic monument (classé)

Mérimée record PA00103322

Period of construction

14th century, 15th century, 16th century

Base map © IGN, Géoplateforme

In pictures

Frequently asked

Why is the tower named after Philippe le Bel?

It takes its name from King Philippe le Bel, who ordered its construction in 1292 near the Saint-Bénézet bridge.

What was the tower originally used for?

It controlled the French side of the Saint-Bénézet bridge linking Villeneuve-lès-Avignon to Avignon.

How old is the tower?

Its first floor was completed in 1303, with an additional storey added around 1360.

Is the tower a protected monument?

Yes, it has been listed as a historical monument since 1862.

Sources

Identity, location and official references from Wikidata and the Mérimée register.

• This entry in Markdown
• Wikidata Q3533155
• Mérimée PA00103322

Within an hour’s drive

• Château de Montaut (Montaut Castle)Villeneuve-lès-Avignon · Gard
• Ancien palais du cardinal de Deaux, dit aussi livrée de la ThurroyeVilleneuve-lès-Avignon · Gard
• Fort Saint-André (Villeneuve-lès-Avignon)Villeneuve-lès-Avignon · Gard
• Ancien petit séminaire, dit Petit Palais ou Palais Jules II, actuellement Musée du Petit PalaisAvignon · Vaucluse
• Palais des PapesAvignon · Vaucluse
• Palais de RoureAvignon · Vaucluse

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