Meet up with the guides for a walking tour of Vienne, during which you will discover this Roman city rich in vestiges. The history of Vienne goes back more than 2000 years. The city is indivisible from the Rhône river and the surrounding hills. The Allobrogi people are thought to have made it their capital, but it was in the Roman era that the city began to prosper on both banks. You will see the Antique Theatre; built roughly between 40 and 50 AD, it is considered one of the largest in the Roman empire, with its 130m diameter and 13,000 spectators capacity. Restored in 1938, it was returned to its original function and is now a venue for artistic events. The tour will continue with the Temple of Augustus and Livia (exteriors only). This temple dedicated to Rome and Augustus stood in a sacred area on the forum and has carried this name since the end of the 18th century. Its construction began about 20-10 BC; it was later transformed at the beginning of the Middle Ages into a church, and was finally restored in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the intervention of Prosper Mérimée. Finally, to complete the tour, you will see the Cathedral of St Maurice (exteriors only), which has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. Return to the boat on foot.
PLEASE NOTE
- Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Meet up with the guides for a walking tour of Vienne, during which you will discover this Roman city rich in vestiges. The history of Vienne goes back more than 2000 years. The city is indivisible from the Rhône river and the surrounding hills. The Allobrogi people are thought to have made it their capital, but it was in the Roman era that the city began to prosper on both banks. You will see the Antique Theatre; built roughly between 40 and 50 AD, it is considered one of the largest in the Roman empire, with its 130m diameter and 13,000 spectators capacity. Restored in 1938, it was returned to its original function and is now a venue for artistic events. The tour will continue with the Temple of Augustus and Livia (exteriors only). This temple dedicated to Rome and Augustus stood in a sacred area on the forum and has carried this name since the end of the 18th century. Its construction began about 20-10 BC; it was later transformed at the beginning of the Middle Ages into a church, and was finally restored in the second half of the 19th century thanks to the intervention of Prosper Mérimée. Finally, to complete the tour, you will see the Cathedral of St Maurice (exteriors only), which has been listed as a historic monument since 1840. Return to the boat on foot.
PLEASE NOTE
- Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
From Burgundy to the Camargue along the Saône and the Rhône Rivers (port-to-port cruise)
LYON - MÂCON - VIENNE - AVIGNON - ARLES - The Camargue - ARLES - VIVIERS - TOURNON - LYON
History and authenticity will be on the program throughout your cruise on the Rhone. You will discover cities with rich historical and cultural pasts such as Lyon with its famous 'traboules' - secret passages. Visit the Cluny Abbey, which has had an exceptional political, artistic and religious influence on Europe, then admire the castle of Tournon which stands upright on its majestic rock in the heart of the town and houses a museum labeled "Museum of France" since 1927.
The Valleys of the Rhône and Saône: Gastronomy and vineyards.
LYON - TAIN L'HERMITAGE - VIENNE - LYON - COLLONGES AU MONT D'OR - MÂCON - BELLEVILLE - LYON
Gastronomy and viticulture enthusiasts, this cruise between Rhône and Saône will seduce you. From the Rhone Valley to the Beaujolais vineyards, through the vineyards of Côte Rôtie and the terroir of Condrieu, go for a discovery tour with tastings that will tantalize your palate.