Follow the Romans to Vienne
An hour’s drive from Grenoble Vienne sits on the banks of the Rhône Just south of Lyon.
It was an important Roman settlement which means 16th and 17th century half timbered houses jockey for position with Roman walls and remains. Narrow cobbled streets reminiscent of Lyon give way to a startingly beautiful Roman Temple surrounded by bars and cafés.
The town is home to an impressive tourist office next to the Rhône. They offer a range of tours which include a €7 tram ride up to Mont Pipet which has views over the town and the Roman amphitheatre.
Amongst other options, you can also opt for a “circuit gourmand” which is a tour and tasting of local products or a sunset tour on a wooden barge with a glass of wine.
The tourist office even organises cookery workshops during which you’ll shop for local ingredients with your chef in the market and then prepare a meal.
Photo: Diane Francis Cook
Photo: Patrick Ageneau, Vienne Tourism