This is because during the times of Julius Caesar, it was a major urban center of the empire (after falling from Gallic hands)—and because so much of its Roman heritage has been miraculously preserved over the centuries.

While traveling back in time to this spectacular region with AmaWaterways, you will have a few choices in excursions. Consider opting for a walking tour of some of the most incredible landmarks of the region…

Nothing says Roman town like a Roman temple — so of course visiting the Augustus and Livia Temple is a must. Built between 20-10 BC in honor of Caesar Augustus, the son of Julius Caesar, and his wife Livia. It is remarkably preserved from these times, having been used as a church, a museum, a library and finally restored to its original glory once again in the 1800s.

The Saint-Maurice Cathedral, sometimes referred to as the Vienne Cathedral, is a Gothic-Romanesque masterpiece that took nearly 500 years to build, with construction running from 1052-1533. With its construction stretched over so many periods, the cathedral is truly a blend of many styles but its most famous feature is the detailed stonework on its façade. Inside the cathedral, capital stones have been engraved to represent biblical characters. A national monument of France and formerly a seat of Bishops (later Archbishops), the cathedral also contains renowned Flanders tapestries and beautiful stained glass windows.