History of Vienne

I’m aware this is a tough and long climb, but you'll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city and surrounding areas once you reach the top. In the meantime, let's take a look back at the history of what is now known as the Holy City. Dating as far back as the 5th century BC,Vienne is one of France's oldest cities.

It was then occupied by the Allobroges, a Gallic folk with a large territory that included Isère, Savoie and Haute-Savoie with Vienne, or Vienna at the time, as capital. During the Roman era, it became a large and prosperous city characterized by extensive trade and impressive, modern infrastructure for the time. As an influential and inspiring Gallo-Roman city, it still reveals magnificent remnants from this period.

During the Middle Ages, the ever flourishing town remained a major trading center and became one of the birthplaces of Christianity in France From the 5th century onwards, this important religious city adorned itself with several churches and a cathedral, which still shape its architectural and historical heritage today. In 1450, Vienne was annexed to the Kingdom of France. The century that followed was marked by religious wars, like in many other cities in Europe.

In 1727, the first cloth mill was set up: for 2 centuries, it became a major cloth-making town, providing a livelihood for half its residents. If you'd like to find out more about this prosperous period, you can visit the city's Museum of the Textile Industry. In the 1950s, the factories were gradually closed down, unable to adapt to major changes in the business,.

Fortunately, the town has been growing vines since Roman times, and today, it can still rely on its exceptional production of Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie and Vitis Vienna. It would be a shame to pass through here without tasting one of these remarkable wines! You'll also find some great vineyard walks in the surrounding area.

It’s worth taking advantage of them !