Viviers is located in the southern-central part of the Ardeche department, a few kilometres south of Montelimar.
Explore Viviers
France This Way review: Viviers is a town that creates mixed impressions, with several very interesting highlights to discover - but they are not always presented in the best light. A town waiting to be improved and discovered
Start your visit to Viviers in the streets around the Cathedral of Saint-Vincent, which is the centre of the old town. Dating from the 12th century to the 18th century the cathedral has some very fine features including its belltower and campanile, and the tapestries inside around the stalls are also impressive.
There is quite an extensive warren of narrow streets around the cathedral with buildings that are sometimes very carefully renovated, other times rather derelict looking. All are interesting to explore, and a marked walk can be followed.
In the heart of the old town there is a particularly impressive 16th century renaissance building called the House of the Chevaliers, with a great deal of fine carving and ornamentation on the facade. Unfortunately the building itself is looking very neglected which is a tragedy for such a lovely building. (I hear that plans are underway to renovate the property.)
One feature I enjoyed is seeing a few houses painted in the faded pastel colours that we associate with Provence and are less common in the northern Ardeche - making you feel that you have arrived in the south of France!
Also to discover in Viviers are the town hall, a grand classical style building that was previously a priest's palace dating from the 18th century, and the remains of the town ramparts.
In fact the 18th century is quite well represented in the architecture of Viviers and there are several notable grand houses from this period around the town such as the Hotel de Roqueplane, which is now the local bishopric, the Hotel de Beaulieu and the Hotel de Tourville; take a look at the ornamental stone carvings on these last two.
You should also take a look at the ancient stone bridge (the Pont Romain) across the Escoutay river. The bridge has 11 arches and dates from the 2nd or 3rd century.
Behind the old town (just behind Viviers cathedral) there is a far reaching view across the roofs of the town and across the Rhone river to the distant mountains, as well as a large statue of the madonna standing on the hill above the town.
The view is slightly less idyllic than it might be because it also includes a distant power station and cement factory but it's well worth taking a look.
Attractions nearby
You will probably discover Viviers when exploring elsewhere in the Ardeche region. Close by we recommend you visit the picturesque villages at Saint-Montan and Alba-la-Romaine, and of course no visit to the region would be complete without a tour of the Ardeche Gorges starting from Vallon Pont d'Arc.
Explore elsewhere in the Massif Central. You can find more travel ideas in the Ardeche guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide.
Photos of Viviers
Click any picture to start the gallery
Arrange a visit to Viviers
Hotels in Viviers
Booking.com: best prices
For great prices on car hire throughout France and Corsica please visit our recommended partner at RentalCars.com
Map of Viviers and places nearby
Visit near Viviers with France This Way reviews
Saint-Montan
Climbing the steep cobbled streets to the castle at the top of the village you see lots of lovely houses in ancient Saint-Montan
Saint-Montan guide
Montelimar
The town of Montelimar is famous worldwide for its nougat - be sure to sample some!
Montelimar guide
Alba-la-Romaine
Larger than many of the Ardeche villages, Alba-la-Romaine also has a very picturesque historic centre to explore
Alba-la-Romaine guide
La Garde-Adhemar
Lovely views, a medieval garden, a 12th century roman style church are just some of the highlights in La Garde-Adhemar
La Garde-Adhemar guide
Puygiron
The small castle and pretty gardens add further to the charm of the small village of Puygiron
Puygiron guide
Grignan
As well as the castle that dominates the hillside village of Grignan you will also discover various other places of interest
Grignan guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Ardeche
Tourist classifications for Viviers
Viviers is classified as a historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé)
Address: Viviers, Privas, Rhone-Alpes, 7220, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.4836, longitude 4.68972
Plan your visit to Viviers, Ardeche
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardin des herbes: remarkable garden (11 km)
- Eglise de Saint Michel (La Garde-Adhemar): religious monument (11 km)
- Abbaye d'Aiguebelle (Montjoyer): religious monument (13 km)
- La Ferme aux crocodiles: zoo or wildlife park (14 km)
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame (Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux): religious monument (16 km)
- Abbatiale Sainte-Marie (Cruas): religious monument (20 km)
- Grotte de Saint-Marcel: site of natural beauty (21 km)
- Aigueze: most beautiful village (23 km)
- Réserve naturelle nationale des Gorges de l'Ardèche: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Vogue: most beautiful village (23 km)
- Balazuc: most beautiful village (25 km)
- Gorges de l'Ardeche: grand site of france (26 km)
The French version of this page is at Viviers (Francais)