The Joanade of Viviers
VIVIERS
The Joanade of Viviers
Easy
0h43
2km
+98m
-96m
Loop
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This walk is short, but the path leading up to the statue of the Virgin Mary is steep and rocky. It offers beautiful views over Viviers and its surroundings, then winds its way through the old town.
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Description
- Depart from the Tourist Office. On your left is the Diocesan House (formerly the Grand Seminary), as well as the statue of Charles de Foucauld, linguist and geographer, ordained priest in Viviers. From there, go down Rue de la République on the right. This street curves to the right.
- Go to Place de la République where the House of the Knights is located. It is recognisable by its highly ornate Renaissance-style façade (commissioned by Noël Albert, a wealthy merchant of the town, in 1546). From the square, follow Grande-Rue (formerly the town's main thoroughfare, lined with several 18th-century mansions with very interesting façades).
- In the middle of Rue O'Farel, go through the gate on your right, climb up to the cathedral, visit the Châteauvieux esplanade on its left, then return to the square and cross Place Saint-Jean. Take the vaulted passageway and then go down the Montée de l'Abri. A staircase on your left will take you to the town hall car park. When you reach Place Prosper Allignol, walk past the Hôtel de Roqueplane on your left, cross the road leading down from the roundabout, then turn left.
- Continue to the ‘protective’ Virgin Mary statue by following a small winding path marked with yellow and white signs. This statue, erected in 1861 on the site of an old cross, was donated by the Pavin de Lafarge family as a token of prosperity for the town. Its pedestal offers a panoramic view of the town, Saint-Vincent Cathedral (the smallest cathedral in France still in use) and the 18th-century bishop's palace. To the south-east, you can see the statue of Saint Michael (the archangel who is said to have protected Viviers from bombing during the Second World War). From the statue, take the path raised by a low wall and continue to the right. The path widens and becomes passable by vehicle. Continue to follow the white and yellow markings. When you reach the water tower, to descend back into the town, take the path on the right that passes above the cemetery. Then take the street that descends by turning. When you reach the ‘Séminaire’ signpost (1), cross the road to reach Place Riquet; you have now returned to the starting point.
- Departure : Viviers Tourist Office
- Arrival : Viviers Tourist Office
- Towns crossed : VIVIERS
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Please note that this trail can be slippery in wet weather.
Good shoes and possibly walking sticks.
Information desks
Place du Champ de Mars, 07700 Bourg-Saint-Andéol
5 place Riquet, 07220 Viviers
Transport
Stop: La Poste
BUS E19: Montélimar - Le Teil - Viviers - St-Thomé
Keolis line E19 • +33 (0)4 75 44 10 33
BUS E20: Montélimar - Le Teil - Viviers - Bourg-St-Andéol - Pont-St-Esprit
Keolis line E20 • +33 (0)4 75 44 10 33
BUS E19: Montélimar - Le Teil - Viviers - St-Thomé
Keolis line E19 • +33 (0)4 75 44 10 33
BUS E20: Montélimar - Le Teil - Viviers - Bourg-St-Andéol - Pont-St-Esprit
Keolis line E20 • +33 (0)4 75 44 10 33
Access and parking
From Montélimar or Aubenas, follow the D86 to Viviers.
From Vallon Pont d'Arc, take the D4 to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, then head north on the D86 to Viviers.
From Pont Saint-Esprit, head north via Saint-Just-d'Ardèche, then take the D86 to Viviers.
From Vallon Pont d'Arc, take the D4 to Bourg-Saint-Andéol, then head north on the D86 to Viviers.
From Pont Saint-Esprit, head north via Saint-Just-d'Ardèche, then take the D86 to Viviers.
Parking :
Billon, Esplanade or Roubine car park
Report a problem or an error
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