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.
