The Pont d'Avignon re-build in 3D
About this good practice
Built between 1177 and 1185, the bridge, originally had 22 arches linking Avignon to Villeneuve-lez-Avignon. Today, 4 of them remain, the result of extensive damage over the centuries: flooding of the Rhône, destruction in war...
The aim of the project was to reconstitute the famous Pont d'Avignon in its landscape context. The project is based on the scientific, historical and documentary support provided by the research work and knowledge of 5 laboratories over a period of 4 years. Thanks to the 3D reconstruction project, it is now possible to 'see' the bridge in its entirety in real time and to restore it to its historical landscape context.
The project has brought together historians, archaeologists, architects, geomorphologists and engineers to produce a digital reconstruction of this work of art.
This reconstitution can be seen through: a film of 6 mn freely available on Youtube and other platforms, a permanent and interactive exhibition on site in Avignon, an app AVIGNON 3D in french/english and free to download. These materials include interviews with researchers and those involved in the project.
The project is part of a strategy for touristic attractivity from the city of Avignon, targeted on international but also regional publics.
Stakeholders local and regional authorities, historians, archaeologists, architects, geomorphologists, engineers, videographers.
Beneficiaries : residents, schools and tourists.
Resources needed
43 people working in five laboratories. Involvement of Communauté d'agglomération Grand Avignon, Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Other financials and technics partners: Compagnie National du Rhône - Ville de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon -
Total cost of the project : €2.4 million.
Evidence of success
Valorisation of an exceptional and historic heritage.
The project is based on the scientific, historical and documentary support provided by the research and knowledge of 5 laboratories. Thanks to augmented reality, visitors can go back in time on either side of the Rhône using a mobile phone application.
Main key figures:
- 6 billion 3D coordinates acquired
- 10 324 photos
- more than 14 3D modelling techniques used - some for the first time
- 500 000 visitors (2023)
Potential for learning or transfer
A smarter Europe - Digitisation for citizens, companies, research organisations and public authorities.
This project promotes a regional heritage and strengthens the tourist attractiveness of Avignon through a virtual visit of the famous bridge, which has been partially destroyed throuh historic and climate events.
The major interest for other regions is the 3D and immersive technology based on documents, high-tech photos and HD laser scans which have created the complete bridge as it was at time.
The result is very accessible to any public through virtual visits on site and can last over time through a free app (smartphone, tablets).
It is a perfect example of the harmonious marriage between innovative technologies, unprecedented research work and cultural heritage.
This practice is aligned with the project’s thematic: digital economy and tourism.