Archway that leads into the Forum...
And no major Roman city was complete without it's Amphitheatre...
After the decline of the Roman empire, Vienne, mainly because of it's position on the Rhone River, remained very important and prosperous. Very little seems to remain of the medieval and Renaissance period buildings apart from the occasional half timbered building like this.
We climbed to the top of a very steep hill overlooking Vienne the guide books put “worth the struggle”.
On the way up we decided we would not want to carry the groceries home to this house or have to move in a refrigerator. The front door / gate has to be 4 or 5 stories below the house.
From on top there is a good view of the overcrowded cemetery.
the ruined chateau on neighbouring hill....
and a great view of the Rhone River winding it's way down it's valley...
The Vienne of today is a bit tired (as you would be if you were 2000 years old) but the city is obviously trying to shake off the doldrums.
The Cathedral of St Maurice is under going renovations.....
someone has gone to the time and expense to put a massive trompe l'oeil on the exterior of a building waiting for the renovators touch...
one of the main roundabouts is landscaped with a wine making theme. Many French cities and towns go to a lot of trouble landscaping their major roundabouts.
The Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) has been recently restored.
Jenelle's Dad Vic would have been appalled to see the French growing Lantana (a weed to Vic) in pots.
With its Roman history Vienne is certainly a tourist attraction. During our visit there is a river cruise ship docked taking on supplies while the mainly elderly American passengers roamed the shops, cafes and tourist sites of Vienne.
Everywhere we go we see these 1950s citroens cars still being used for everyday errands. Like the old FJ Holden cars they just seem to go and go. The cars built in the 60s, 70s and 80s are long gone to the great wrecking yard, just like in Australia.
After our visit to Vienne we make our way back to Lyon via the scenic wine country on the other side of the river. The wine produced in the vineyards around the town of Condieu is supposed to be excellent. Our hosts give us directions to their favourite cellar door but as luck would have it, it is closed; bummer. But we did get a photo of a bottle for future reference.
On the plateau behind the very, very steep hillside vineyards
we find amongst other things milking goats...
and the apple harvest in full swing...
From up here on the plateau, we can look across the valley to the French Alps, way off in the distance to the east. Even on a hazy day they look spectacular. Imagine the sight on a crisp, winter's day with snow caps on the Alps. Next year perhaps.
