- Heritage
- Viviers
- about 13 km from Bourg-Saint-Andéol
Viviers, episcopal city
The former capital of the Vivarais, clustered around its cathedral of Saint-Vincent: narrow lanes, old houses and a Romanesque tower on a rocky outcrop.
What to see, what to know
Viviers gave its name to the Vivarais, of which it was the capital. The town, on the banks of the Rhône, is still the seat of a bishopric. Its old centre is explored on foot.
Climb up to the cathedral of Saint-Vincent, on its rocky outcrop. Consecrated in 1119, it combines an 11th-century bell tower, the Saint-Michel tower, with a Flamboyant Gothic choir built between 1516 and 1521. Gobelins tapestries adorn the choir. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1906, and is often described as the smallest cathedral in France.
On the way back down, stop in front of the Maison des Chevaliers: its Renaissance facade was commissioned by the merchant Noël Albert.
Viviers is also a stop on the ViaRhôna.
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
Village · Saint-Montan · about 8 km awaySaint-Montan
A medieval village raised from its ruins by volunteers since the 1970s, at the foot of its feudal castle.
Heritage · Larnas · about 10 km awaySaint-Pierre Church, Larnas
A small 12th-century Romanesque church, in a village surrounded by vineyards and lavender, listed as a historic monument.
Village · La Garde-Adhémar · about 9 km awayLa Garde-Adhémar
A hilltop village in the Drôme, one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France: Romanesque church, herb garden and views over the Rhône valley.