Summer is upon us and millions of Britons will be making plans to jet set off to locations far and wide. But what if we said you needn’t go too far or too wide?
There’s a quaint, historically rich, and downright gorgeous town in France that can probably qualify as the most beautiful French town that no one has heard of.
Located just 35 kilometres (22 miles) south of Lyon in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Vienne is a picturesque town in southeastern France at the confluence of the Rhône and the Gère. The fourth-largest commune in the Isère department, the beautiful French town was called Vienna under its Latin name and was a major centre of the Roman Empire.
Now, the town is a rich part of France’s fabric and culture, serving as a regional, commercial and industrial centre. Known for its bustling Saturday market — the second-largest in France — more than 300 traders gather every Saturday within Vienne’s stunning walls.
With a famous Roman temple, a theatre where the annual Jazz à Vienne is held, a circus pyramid along with museums and notable catholic buildings — tourism makes up an important part of Vienne’s economy.
Vienne’s old town lies in a depression that’s picturesquely surrounded by steep hills.
The beautiful French town’s top attractions include the Theatre Antique, the ancient Temple of Augustus and Livia, the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice, the Church of Saint-Pierre, and the Archeological Gardens of Cybele.
With a modest population of approximately 32,000 people — Vienne is a traveller’s paradise due to its relatively unknown status. There’s a high chance the French town will not be thronged by tourists during peak holiday season, unlike other popular European hotspots.
Cycling along Vienne’s lush topography embellished by the sparkling Vienne River is what traveller’s dreams are made of. As with most French locales, wine production is an important part of the town’s fabric.
Strolling through the historic town is considered equivalent to time travel, with each sight besting the last. For panoramic views of Vienne, one can head to the Mont Pipet viewpoint. Abbaye Saint-André-le-Bas de Vienne, is a historic abbey with a rich history and offers a into Vienne's medieval past while the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Salette offers a serene atmosphere for those visiting and can serve as a spot for quiet contemplation during travels.
We found flights from London Gatwick to Lyon on September 1 priced at £39. Vienne is a 35-minute drive from Lyon or a 20-minute train ride for £7.84 (as found on Trainline).
Travellers can also take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then drive down to Vienne from the French capital city in less than 5 hours by car or arrive in less than 2 hours by train.
