Valois’ tower

Here we find ourselves alongside the Rhone River, on the Jean Jaures dock, which enables us to enjoy a beautiful viewpoint over the other shore. On the other side of the river, it isn’t Vienne anymore, but the towns of Saint-Romain-en-Gal and Sainte Colombe. These are two small villages, which are not in the department of Isere anymore. Actually, as soon as you cross over the river, you enter in the department of Rhone. In front of you stands the “tour des Valois”, which is on Sainte-Colombe’s land. It was built during the 14th century, in the small city of Sainte-Colombe, as it was attached to the Kingdom of France. While Vienne itself, on the other shore, was still part of the Holy Empire until 1450. So, there was a dire need to build towers and fortifications to defend the village, located right at the border of both kingdoms. This tower is the only relic of the wall separating both towns. It comes straight from the 14th century. Do not hesitate to cross the river to get closer and visit the small city of Sainte-Colombe, which kept his charm over the years.