Northern Rhone Valley

Vienna: located on the right banks of the Rhone river and surrounded by 5 hills, this city keeps from its long history a rich heritage, including many monuments dating from the Roman times as a magnificent antique theater, the imposing temple of Augustus and Livia, the Pyramid, etc. Vienne also features beautiful medieval heritage to be discovered by strolling through the many narrow pedestrian streets of the Old town. Don’t forget to visit Saint-Maurice Cathedral built between the 12th and 16th century and the Gallo-Roman museum with its ampelographic garden.

Wine & Vineyards: On the foothills of the Massif Central mountains, with a climate under continental and Mediterranean influences, the northern part of the Rhône Valley gives birth to prestigious wine appellations:

Condrieu, Côte Rôtie & Château Grillet: The Rhone River has been digging the earth for millennium to draw a valley with hilly and tortuous relief to create the perfect “terroir” for the legendary Syrah and Viognier grapes. Since 2000 years, men have been growing grapes on these vertigo-inducing slopes, providing a striking spectacle. Suddenly, one realizes the huge courage and the hard work of wine-makers to provide us these great wines.

Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St Joseph, Cornas and Saint-Péray: located between Tain-l'Hermitage and Valence, Hermitage area has been famous since the 17th century thanks to its red Syrah and white Marsanne and Roussanne wines. The name Hermitage, according to legend, comes from the French word "ermite" which means hermit. Gaspard de Sterimberg, a wounded 13th century crusader seeking refuge, built the Chapel of St. Christopher at the top of the largest domed hill and lived the rest of his life in self-imposed seclusion. Nowadays, the Hermitage legend keeps going through 5 renowned wine appellations with unique characteristics.

Gastronomy and regional products: The Northern Rhône Valley is one of the cradles of French gastronomy with La Pyramide restaurant located in Vienna founded in 1933 by Fernand Point, first 3 stars Michelin restaurant in France. Maison Pic a and its famous chef Anne-Sophie welcomes you to Valence for an unforgettable culinary experience. This region has many local products and specialties including truffles, the Rigotte de Condrieu cheese, the Raviole de Romans, chocolate, etc.