This Roman-era town in southeastern France has a well-preserved amphitheater from 40 AD and hosts one of France's largest jazz festivals each summer.
In Vienne, 35 kilometers south of Lyon, you'll walk past a 1st-century BC Roman temple with its original Corinthian columns still intact, climb the steps of a 13,000-seat Roman theatre, and wander through medieval streets to reach the Gothic Saint Maurice Cathedral. Every Saturday, local vendors line up their stalls for 5 kilometers through the town center, while each summer, jazz musicians perform against the backdrop of ancient Roman walls.
Roman Monuments
The Temple of Augustus and Livia rises in the city center, its original Corinthian columns and detailed entablature dating back to the 1st century BC. Medieval residents turned it into a church, which helped maintain its structure through the centuries. When you visit the Roman Theatre, built around 40-50 AD, you can sit among 13,000 seats where Romans once watched performances. Look for the Plan de l'Aiguille nearby - this truncated pyramid with four arches marks where ancient Romans held their chariot races.
Medieval Streets and Churches
Saint Maurice Cathedral stands high above the Rhône river, built between 1052 and 1533. Walk up to its west facade terrace for views over the river and its Gothic stone carvings. The Church of Saint André en Bas, with its Romanesque architecture, was once both a Benedictine monastery and a chapel for Provence's early kings. As you walk through the old town, look up to see the decorated balconies on 16th and 17th-century houses.
Markets and Local Life
Every Saturday, France's second-largest outdoor market fills Vienne's streets for 5 kilometers. Local farmers sell seasonal vegetables and fruits, while regional cheese makers bring their specialties. You'll find smaller daily markets in Place François-Mitterrand on weekdays.
Getting Around Vienne
Take a direct train from Lyon's Part-Dieu or Perrache stations - the trip takes 30 minutes. You can walk between most sites in the center within 15 minutes from the train station. The tourist office on Cours Brillier provides maps with suggested walking routes.
Jazz Festival and Cultural Events
During the Jazz Ă Vienne festival in June and July, musicians perform in the Roman theatre. Since 1981, the festival has brought jazz artists to play in this 2,000-year-old venue, where the stone walls create natural acoustics for the performances.
Hills and City Views
Five hills circle Vienne, each with its own viewpoint. Climb Mont Pipet in the city center to see Roman fortification remains and visit the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Salette. From here, you'll see the Roman theatre below and the Rhône valley. On Mont Salomon, across the River Gère, you'll find the ruins of Château de la Bâtie, though you can't enter the castle grounds.
