Notre Dame de Pipet Chapel

The chapel of Notre-Dame de Pipet

A contemplative stop on the Vienne audio-guided tour, the chapel of Notre-Dame de Pipet crowns the hill overlooking the city. A high place dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was built in 1873.

A strategic hill since Antiquity

The chapel, the work of the Vienne architect Abel Jouffray, reveals a statue of the Virgin in Volvic stone carved in 1858. Now a symbol of the city, the hill of Pipet always played a strategic role: in the third century, a Roman oppidum was built there, of which a few listed remains survive around the chapel. With the kings of Burgundy, a fortress replaced the oppidum and protected the city until the seventeenth century.

What to see

The chapel is noticed from the moment you arrive in Vienne, so much does it dominate the city. Around it, the remains of the former oppidum are listed as historic monuments. Visit this place of contemplation in quiet and respect, and enjoy the view of the city below.

Practical information

The chapel of Notre-Dame de Pipet is at the top of the hill of Pipet, above the ancient theatre of Vienne. Like any place of worship, it is visited with respect for silence; opening hours should be checked depending on the season.

When was the chapel built ?

In 1873, by the Vienne architect Abel Jouffray, with a statue of the Virgin carved in 1858.

What remains of the Roman oppidum ?

A few remains listed as historic monuments, visible around the chapel.