Romestang Avenue

The cours Romestang

A lively stop on the Vienne audio-guided tour, the cours Romestang is one of the main streets of the city. Now lined with restaurants and shops, this avenue lay outside the city walls in the Middle Ages.

From a suburb to an avenue

The name Romestang referred to the areas outside the fortifications. The street was annexed to the city when the walls were demolished in the eighteenth century, becoming a much-loved promenade in the shade of the chestnut trees. Houses rose on either side, and the promenade turned into an avenue open to vehicles.

What to see

Once outside the walls, the cours Romestang has become one of the main streets of Vienne, ideal for shopping and especially for the Saturday market, which spreads across much of the city centre. With about four hundred stallholders, it is one of the largest markets in France, mixing food, clothing and craft items.

Practical information

The cours Romestang runs through the centre of Vienne. Freely accessible, it can be walked at any time; the large market is held on Saturdays and spreads through the city centre.

Where does the name Romestang come from ?

It referred to the areas outside the city walls; the street was annexed to the city in the eighteenth century.

What market is held on cours Romestang ?

The large Saturday market, one of the largest in France, with about four hundred stallholders.