A sleepy medieval bishop's town on a rocky outcrop above the Rhône, one of the quietest and most atmospheric stops on the cruise. Cobbled lanes climb to the 12th-century St-Vincent Cathedral, past the carved Renaissance façade of the Maison des Chevaliers. The ship moors a short walk from the old town (~10 min).
Day 4 — Wednesday, October 21
Viviers walking tour · Cathedral lookout · Optional Ardèche gorges
A gentle morning. The included walking tour takes about 1.5 hours. Afterwards, stay in the peaceful town or join the optional Ardèche trip to one of France's great natural sights.
✅ Viking included
- Viviers Walking Tour: old town, Maison des Chevaliers, St-Vincent Cathedral.
💳 Viking optional (extra cost)
- Charming Ardèche: coach trip to the Gorges de l'Ardèche and the Pont d'Arc natural stone arch, with scenic lookouts. The best scenery of the cruise if you enjoy landscapes.
🧭 Do it yourself
- Climb to the cathedral terrace for views of the Rhône valley.
- Coffee on the plane-tree terrace at Au Café Français.
- Stroll the riverside back to the ship. You'll rarely see another tourist.
Viking tour names come from the published itinerary for this sailing. Confirm times, prices and availability in MyViking Journey. Optional tours can sell out, so reserve early.
Lunch & dinner: onboard. The afternoon is scenic sailing north through the locks. Great deck time with a glass of wine.
Booking Status
| Item | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Viviers Walking Tour | ✅ Booked | Wed Oct 21 · morning · included Viking tour |
| Optional: Charming Ardèche | ⬜ Not booked | Wed Oct 21 · Book in advance in MyViking Journey |
Attractions
St-Vincent Cathedral
📍 ★★★★★ ~4.6One of France's smallest cathedrals, begun in the 12th century, crowning the hill above town. Flemish tapestries inside, and a terrace with sweeping Rhône valley views.
Tickets & tours: Viator · TripAdvisor
Viviers old town & Maison des Chevaliers
📍 ★★★★★ ~4.5A tangle of stone lanes, arches and quiet squares. The 1546 Maison des Chevaliers has a carved façade showing a knights' tournament.
Tickets & tours: Viator · TripAdvisor
Gorges de l'Ardèche & Pont d'Arc
📍 ★★★★★ ~4.8A 30km limestone canyon carved by the Ardèche river, with dizzying roadside lookouts. At its mouth is the Pont d'Arc, a 54m natural stone arch over the water.
Tickets & tours: Viator · TripAdvisor
Hotels
🚢 Viking Longship: your floating hotel ✅ BOOKED
Seven nights aboard, Sun Oct 18 to Sun Oct 25. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, with beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. The ship moves between ports, so you never repack.
Restaurants
Au Café Français
📍 ★★★★★ ~4.5Village café-restaurant with a shaded plane-tree terrace looking up at the cliffs. Fresh seasonal cooking; in autumn the cheffe makes quenelles and calf sweetbreads. A Travellers' Choice pick.
Les Chevaliers
📍 ★★★★★ ~4.4In a beautiful old building in the heart of Viviers. Crêpes, galettes and generous desserts for a casual bite.
Le Relais du Vivarais
📍 ★★★★★ ~4.1Simple, good-value family cooking with a big terrace and several set menus.
Opera & Events
No performance venues
Viviers is a village. Viking usually has onboard entertainment or a local performer tonight. Check the daily Viking Daily programme.
Wine & Cocktail Bars
Small Shops & Museums
Artisan workshops of the old town
📍 ★★★★★ ~4.4Viviers has a handful of potters, painters and craft studios tucked into the lanes, often open when the ship is in.
Further Reading
🎧 Listen before you go
🎧 Real Food Traveler: What's the Lyon & Provence Viking River Cruise Really Like
Courtney and Jimmy sailed this exact Viking itinerary in summer 2025. They cover the ship and sailing experience, what each port is like, and practical tips.
Transport
Everything is walkable from the ship. The Ardèche excursion runs by Viking coach. Rome2Rio: Viviers → Pont d’Arc