Port information & tips for Vienne
Vienne is a fascinating jewel on the Rhône in southeastern France and delights cruisers as a living testament to Roman and medieval history. The charming city impresses with its elegant flair as well as its picturesque location on the riverbank and invites visitors to go on inspiring discovery tours thanks to its compact size. Cultural highlights include the magnificent Temple d’Auguste et de Livie, one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world, as well as the impressive ancient theater with panoramic views over the valley. River cruise ships dock directly at the central Quai Jean Jaurès, from where the historic old town and all sights can be easily reached within a few minutes' walk.
Vienne in France is a picturesque haven for river cruises on the Rhône, located south of Lyon. The docking points are generally central and allow for convenient exploration of the historic city directly from the ship.
Car
Vienne is easily accessible thanks to its direct connection to the A7 motorway, also known as the "Autoroute du Soleil". This important arterial road connects Lyon with Marseille and offers a comfortable journey from across the DACH region. The A46 also runs east of Lyon from the north and joins the A7 near Vienne. For those looking for parking, various public parking options are available in Vienne, suitable for both short-term and long-term parking.
Train
Vienne station (Gare de Vienne) is well connected to the French rail network and allows for a relaxed journey. Travelers from the DACH region usually reach Vienne via Lyon Part-Dieu main station. From Lyon Part-Dieu, you can reach Vienne by regional train in about 30 to 45 minutes. From Vienne station, the way to the river cruise docking points in the city center is mostly easy to manage on foot or by taxi.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS), located around 36 kilometers north of Vienne. From there, there are good direct flight connections from many German, Austrian, and Swiss cities. For transfers from the airport to Vienne, taxis and private shuttle services are available, enabling a fast and direct journey of about 35 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Rhônexpress to Lyon Part-Dieu station and from there take a regional train to Vienne, which means a total travel time of about 1 hour 30 minutes. For a stress-free start to your river cruise, we recommend an overnight stay in a hotel in Lyon or Vienne the day before embarkation if traveling from a greater distance.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Vienne in France is a picturesque haven for river cruises on the Rhône, located south of Lyon. The docking points are generally central and allow for convenient exploration of the historic city directly from the ship.
Car
Vienne is easily accessible thanks to its direct connection to the A7 motorway, also known as the "Autoroute du Soleil". This important arterial road connects Lyon with Marseille and offers a comfortable journey from across the DACH region. The A46 also runs east of Lyon from the north and joins the A7 near Vienne. For those looking for parking, various public parking options are available in Vienne, suitable for both short-term and long-term parking.
Train
Vienne station (Gare de Vienne) is well connected to the French rail network and allows for a relaxed journey. Travelers from the DACH region usually reach Vienne via Lyon Part-Dieu main station. From Lyon Part-Dieu, you can reach Vienne by regional train in about 30 to 45 minutes. From Vienne station, the way to the river cruise docking points in the city center is mostly easy to manage on foot or by taxi.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS), located around 36 kilometers north of Vienne. From there, there are good direct flight connections from many German, Austrian, and Swiss cities. For transfers from the airport to Vienne, taxis and private shuttle services are available, enabling a fast and direct journey of about 35 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Rhônexpress to Lyon Part-Dieu station and from there take a regional train to Vienne, which means a total travel time of about 1 hour 30 minutes. For a stress-free start to your river cruise, we recommend an overnight stay in a hotel in Lyon or Vienne the day before embarkation if traveling from a greater distance.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The docking points on the banks of the Rhône are extremely central and provide direct access to the historic old town. Thanks to the excellent location, you can easily reach the most important Roman monuments within a few minutes.
On Foot
The historic center, featuring the Temple of Augustus and Livia as well as the Cathedral of Saint-Maurice, is located directly opposite the docking points. A relaxed walk of about 5 to 10 minutes leads directly into the heart of this charming city.
Le Petit Train
The tourist road train offers a comfortable way to climb the steeper paths to the Mont Pipet viewpoint. The journey begins near the port and provides a wide view over the ancient theater and the entire Rhône Valley.
L'va City Buses and Train
The local bus network under the L'va brand reliably connects the various districts, and the nearby train station also allows for quick trips to the neighboring city of Lyon. Taxis are available at the station forecourt and can also be easily ordered directly to the pier if needed.
To make the most of your limited time in Vienne, a walk through the compact historic center is recommended, which can be ideally explored on foot thanks to its density of ancient treasures and short distances.
Temple d’Auguste et de Livie
This magnificent Roman temple sits majestically in the heart of the old town and, thanks to its excellent state of preservation, is an impressive testament to ancient history within easy reach.
Théâtre Antique & Mont Pipet
The monumental ancient theater provides a spectacular backdrop for cultural discoveries and is perfectly complemented by the nearby Mont Pipet viewpoint, which offers a wide panoramic view of the city and the Rhône Valley.
Musée et Site Archéologique de Saint-Romain-en-Gal
Located directly on the opposite bank of the Rhône, one of France's largest archaeological sites extends over a vast area, perfectly suited for a deep insight into luxurious Gallo-Roman everyday life and the magnificent mosaics of past eras.
Théâtre Antique and the Roman Heritage
The impressive Théâtre Antique is located only about ten minutes' walk from the pier and is one of the most important Roman monuments in France. From the historic stone steps, you can enjoy a wide view over the rooftops of the old town and the glittering ribbon of the Rhône, while the nearby Temple d'Auguste et de Livie provides a perfect backdrop for a break in one of the surrounding, typically French sidewalk cafes. Ideally, plan your visit for the morning to explore the monumental architecture in a quiet atmosphere and then stroll back to the ship through the picturesque alleys in good time.
The way back to your cruise ship on the Rhone is particularly relaxed thanks to the central location of the docking points and can be wonderfully combined with one last look at the historic backdrop.
On Foot
From major landmarks such as the ancient theater or the Temple of Augustus and Livia, you can walk in just a few minutes directly down to Quai Jean Jaurès or Quai Pajot. Thanks to the flat riverside promenade and clear signage, the path is very easy to find and leads you safely back on board.
Taxi
If you are returning from an excursion to the Mont Pipet viewpoint or from further afield, you will find taxis at the central stand directly in front of the Gare de Vienne station at Place Pierre Semard. Additionally, staff at local hotels such as the Hotel Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne Saint-Louis will be happy to call a car for you, which will bring you comfortably and punctually directly to the port.
Le Petit Train (Tourist Train)
The charming tourist train connects the city's most important historic sites and reliably brings you back near the riverbank after the tour. From the central stop, you can reach the docking points in a short, pleasant walk while enjoying the southern French atmosphere of the riverside streets.
