Vienne, again
 

We're thinking Jazz a Vienne (France) 2003 would be an interesting destination. I've found the websites and done some research. What I'm looking for now is personal comment from folks who have been to the city (not necessarily to the jazz festival, too--but I'd still like to hear of personal experiences at Jazz a Vienne). Hotels, ease of public transportation, possibility of using Lyon as a base, etc.<BR><BR>(My earlier post referring also to the music festival at Montreux elicited one response. I was hoping for 'compare and contrast' comments. Thanks, Rhonda, for your suggestion to search for recent threads on Montreux.)

We went last July and liked it very much. Vienne is a small place but the ambiance was lovely. The Roman ampitheather is a great place for concerts. We stayed in Vienne so I don't know what the public transportation is like late at night after a concert. I'm sure you can get information on the website about it.

Merci, Barbara!<BR><BR>Did you stay at a hotel in Vienne? Would you recommend it? How far in advance did you book?<BR><BR>Staying in Vienne, did you walk to the music venues?<BR><BR>How many days did you stay? Other than the jazz program, were there other attractions in the city and nearby that you consider 'don't miss'?<BR><BR>Thanks for your comments!

We stayed a small two star hotel in the center of town, the La Poste. Yes, everything in Vienne is walkable. The sights of Vienne can be seen in a half day or so but Lyon is only a half hour or less away by train. We went in and spent a day there in musuems. We stayed three nights, going to concerts in the evenings and sight seeing in the daytime.

Vienne is a favorite small town of ours. If you aren't enthused by Roman ruins, I would say that there would be no reason to choose Vienne over any of the many other towns on the Rhone. But the amphitheater, etc. are worth a half.<BR>In more abundance are the vineyards along the Rhone R. valley. These are quite worthwhile if you have an interest in wine. <BR>Myself, having lived a few hours away from Lyon for a 3 years, I would certainly choose Annecy or nearby Talloires to set up camp amidst beauty.

Annecy is a gem. I would much sooner choose it over Vienne, both in its own right as well as a good central location for all compass points.