Sur Le Pont D'Avignon

Album: Best-Loved French Folk Songs (1500)
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Songfacts®:

  • Known in English as "Bridge Of Avignon," "The Bridge Of Avignon," or "On The Bridge Of Avignon," the simple melody of this ancient French folk song is especially well known in UK, especially in schools, both French and music classes.

    Dating to the 15th Century, the song was originally "Sous Le Pont D'Avignon" - ie under the bridge; there would have been no actual dancing on the bridge as suggested. The Pont D'Avignon or Pont Saint-Bénezet was built over the River Rhône in the 12th Century and lasted until 1688 when it was swept away by a great flood, although four of its arches remain intact today. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

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