Climb the tiers of one of the largest theatres in the Roman empire - built 40-50 AD into the slope of Mont Pipet, second in Gaul only to Autun, and still the stage for Jazz a Vienne every July
What to expect
The theatre is cut straight into the hillside, its cavea following the natural hemicycle of Mont Pipet, and it seated about 13,000 - one of the biggest urban theatres Rome built anywhere. Vaulted ring galleries under the tiers carried the crowds in and out. You can walk the rows to the top, where the town and the Rhone open out below you. It has been in use again since restoration, and since 1981 it has hosted the Jazz a Vienne festival across the first half of July.
Good to know
Adult EUR 3, reduced EUR 2. Free for under 18s, for the unemployed, and for everyone on the first Sunday of the month. Information panels in German, English, French and Italian. April-August daily 9h30-12h45 and 13h30-18h; September-October Tuesday to Sunday, same hours; November-March Tuesday to Sunday 13h-17h30. Closed 1 January, 11 November and 25 December. Wheelchair accessible with assistance. 7 Rue de Goris, 04 74 78 71 17. Pay at the gate - there is no online booking.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Vienne — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.