River stopoverVienne (38)

In Vienne, the Rhône unrolls its broad waters at the foot of the hills. Every season, river cruise ships berth here and set their passengers down on the threshold of the town. The project to extend the river stopover turns this place of arrival into a true quay of honour: a generous threshold, open to the river, welcoming visitors and Viennois alike.

A great quay, level with the river
Along quai Georges-Pompidou and quai Riondet, the quay of honour unfolds a wide, light-coloured, continuous ground facing the water. Timber pontoons extend the quay where the boats berth; passengers step straight onto the promenade. Long benches in pale stone invite people to sit facing the Rhône, in the shade of groves of trees. A line of masts with pennants sets the rhythm of the quay and signals the entrance to the town from afar.

A garden between the two quays
Between the two roads, the central reservation becomes a linear garden: light trees, silver-leaved shrubs and grasses swaying in the wind. Paths cross it and link the town to the river through comfortable pedestrian crossings. Along the Jardin de ville, parking takes place beneath a grid of trees.

A quay for every day
In the morning, walkers and cyclists; in the afternoon, travellers setting off to discover the town; in the evening, residents coming to watch the sun go down over the Rhône. The quay of honour lends itself to all the rhythms of the town.