Between the “Land of Golden Stones” with its hints of Tuscany, the ancient theater of Autun —which rivals Rome’s in size—and Lake Bourget, comparable to Lake Como, there’s no need to cross the Alps to experience la dolce vita. Another example is Vienne, a city that is a treasure trove of its ancient past, located just outside Lyon. From its theater—one of the most beautiful ever preserved—to its music festival, one of the most prestigious in the world, and its weekly market, one of the largest in France, Vienne shines with its history, culture, and cuisine.
Vienne, a layered tapestry of history
Just like Lyon, Vienne is a living museum spanning more than 2,000 years of our history. While Lyon remains unbeatable in the richness of its heritage, Vienne outshines the capital of Gaul in terms of density. In Lyon, there is one historic monument for every 1,800 residents; in Vienne, the ratio is 1 to 750 —more than double.
Among the must-see attractions is its ancient theater, which, although smaller than the one in Autun, could still accommodate more than 13,000 people at its peak. Today, it hosts nearly 8,000 people during the legendary Jazz à Vienne festival. The Temple of Augustus and Livia, dating from the 1st century CE, is one of the best-preserved buildings from that era in France. It was listed among the first historic monuments in 1840, just like the Church of Saint-Nizier in Lyon. Add to that a cathedral (also listed in 1840), three abbeys, a castle, a chapel, a palace… the list of monuments to discover in Vienne is endless.
400 vendors and 6 kilometers of market stalls: Vienne and France’s second-largest market
Six kilometers is the exact distance if you start at the entrance to Tête-d’Or Park and walk along the banks of the Rhône, without ever stopping, all the way to the tip of the Musée des Confluences. Vienne’s market is a reflection of its heritage: monumental.
Every Saturday, the city center transforms into a massive fairground to host this market of extraordinary proportions. While the markets in Crémieu, Montbrison, and Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne shine for their prestige, Vienne’s market stands out for its size. One word to describe the whole experience: profusion. Vienne is as deeply rooted in the Rhône Valley as it is at the gateway to the Isère and Ardèche regions. An ideal location to enjoy all the local delicacies.
Vienne is an easy getaway from Lyon, and yet an alternative not to be underestimated. Everyone knows Vienne, and yet no one can truly pin it down. In the blink of an eye, it lets you discover one of France’s richest cities in terms of heritage, culture, and gastronomy . Let’s give credit where credit is due.
