Bords de Vienne

The district on the banks of the Vienne, at the foot of the cathedral, is a special place. Inhabited by the Ponticauds (bridge people) with their rich social history, the river is crossed by two remarkable 13th-century medieval bridges, the Pont Saint-Etienne and the Pont Saint-Martial. The Vienne has been restored to its natural state, and pleasant walks have been created along its banks. Canoeing, climbing, rowing, jogging, bowling, restaurants and café terraces punctuate the banks of this green corridor, described with affection by the famous Japanese writer Shimazaki Tozon.