Viviers, Ardèche

Viviers (also, Viviers-sur-Rhône) is a commune in the department of Ardèche in southern France.

Viviers
Commune
Coat of arms
Location of Viviers
Viviers
Viviers
Coordinates: 44°29′01″N 4°41′23″E
CountryFrance
RegionAuvergne-Rhône-Alpes
DepartmentArdèche
ArrondissementPrivas
CantonBourg-Saint-Andéol
IntercommunalityRhône aux Gorges de l'Ardèche
Government
 • Mayor (2014-2020) Christian Lavis
Area
1
34.15 km2 (13.19 sq mi)
Population
 (2017-01-01)[1]
3,730
 • Density110/km2 (280/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
07346 /07220
Elevation55–400 m (180–1,312 ft)
(avg. 71 m or 233 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

The administrative and religious capital of Vivarais, the town of Viviers, on the right bank of the Rhône, in southern Ardèche, retains an important heritage from its rich past, including many listed monuments. A heritage discovery trail will lead you to its architectural treasures: the Town Hall, in the former bishops' palace; the 18th-century Hôtel de Roqueplane, now the seat of the diocese; the Cathedral of St Vincent, Romanesque, flamboyant Gothic and 18th-century in style, with its choir decorated by Gobelins tapestries and its marble high altar; the 16th-century Knights' House (Maison des Chevaliers) with its magnificent Renaissance façade, decorated with medallioned busts; the Grande Rue with the elegant mansions of Beaulieu and Tourville, both dating from the 18th century...

If you stroll around the upper town, you can discover its fine viewpoints, especially the Châteauvieux belvedere, which gives a superb panoramic view over the roofs of the town and the Rhône Valley.

Population
Historical population
YearPop.±%
19623,336—    
19683,389+1.6%
19753,194−5.8%
19823,282+2.8%
19903,407+3.8%
19993,413+0.2%
20053,768+10.4%
20083,867+2.6%
20103,861−0.2%
20153,728−3.4%

History

Viviers became the capital of the Gaulish Helvii tribe following the decline of nearby Alba-la-Romaine.

In late Roman times, it also became a bishopric and the capital of the pays Vivarais. Today, it is still the see of the bishop of Ardèche.

In the 6th century, Venant de Viviers served as the Bishop of Viviers.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Populations légales 2017". INSEE. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  2. Charles Beaunier, Recueil Historique, Chronologique, Et Topographique, Des Archevechez, Evêchez, Abbayes Et Prieurez De France, Tant D'Hommes, Que De Filles, De Nomination Et Collation Royale, Mesnier, 1726, p. 1006


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