Through orchards and heritage sites along the banks of the Rhône

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Vienne wines: Already famous in the first century AD, the wines of northern Vienne were updated to reflect current tastes in 1995 but are matured used contemporary methods (traditional natural vinification and maturing in new barrels). Since the 1980s, there has been a revival of northern Rhône wines with fruity flavours. As part of the revival, the Vitis Viennae association with around fifteen winegrower members promotes and preserves the winegrowing sector on the left bank of the Rhône, between Vienne and Chasse-sur-Rhône. www.vinsdevienne.com
Pear eau-de-vie: The Vienne region is ideal for growing Williams pears, which are used to make a very famous pear brandy, concocted in the Colombier distillery in Villette-de-Vienne. Amidst century-old trees and a magnificent pear orchard, it is open to visitors by appointment. Taste and buy eau-de-vie, pears in syrup and natural jam and spices. www.poire-colombier.com

History, culture and heritage

Vienne is the highlight of this itinerary. Labelled for its art and history, the city has around forty monuments and remarkable sites. For example, the ancient theatre, considered one of the most important in Roman antiquity, with a capacity of about 13,000 spectators, shaped by the hill that supports the construction. The theatre, which has magnificent acoustics, hosts an internationally renowned jazz festival each July. The temple of Augustus and Livia is another vestige of the Gallo-Roman city. Built between 20 and 10 years before our era, it owes its excellent conservation to work in the 5th or 6th century when it was transformed into a church. The archaeological site of Saint-Romain-en-Gal is one of the largest complexes devoted to Gallo-Roman civilization in France. Once part of ancient Vienne, it is located in the heart of a seven-hectare cultural park. Thermal baths, dwellings, shops and workshops are now on display, uncovered by successive digs. The majestic Saint-Maurice cathedral shelters relics of the eponymous saint. The architecture of the cathedral shows the different stages of construction, from the 4th century to the Middle Ages, and 19th-century restorations. The Château de Roussillon, listed as a historical monument, is the only Renaissance-style castle in the Isère. With Italian elegance, it bears the imprint of its illustrious architect Sebastiano Serlio and famous sponsor, Cardinal François de Tournon, personal adviser to Francis I.
Visit Château de Roussillon, the only Renaissance-style castle in Isère.