- Heritage
- In the town
Bishops' Palace
Once the residence of the bishops of Viviers, this listed palace overlooks the Rhône and still has its 17th-century painted decoration.
What to see, what to know
Built on the rock above the Rhône, the Bishops' Palace began as a medieval castle. It became the residence of the bishops of Viviers, who embellished it in the 15th and 17th centuries.
The tour takes in the main courtyard, the great kitchens, and the bishop's apartments with their 17th-century painted decoration. The room known as the "Mazarin" chamber recalls the cardinal's stay in August 1642. A neo-Gothic chapel houses the museum devoted to the painter René Margotton.
The palace has been listed in its entirety as a historic monument since 1946. It is privately owned and can be seen on a guided tour: times and bookings on the official website.
Before or after your visit, stop off in Bourg-Saint-Andéol
All shops- Where to eatRestaurants, bakeries, pastry shops, butchers and grocers in the town.Restaurants and food shops
- Where to stayHotel or guest rooms: shop owners in the town can put you up.The places that offer rooms
- What to take homeOlive oil from the mill, wines bought at the estate, products from local producers and sweet treats.The local produce
Also worth seeing, close by
All the places to explore
HeritageSaint-Andéol Church
A large Romanesque church consecrated in 1119. Its bell tower rises above the town's rooftops and it houses the sarcophagus of Saint Andéol.
ActivityRhône Quays and ViaRhôna
The Rhône at the foot of the old town: a stroll along the quays and a stop on the ViaRhôna, the cycle route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.
HeritageVallon de Tourne and the Mithras bas-relief
Two springs at the foot of a rock, a wash house and a Roman bas-relief of the god Mithras carved into the rock face: a small valley south of the old town.