FRANCE - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 162

The pyramid was erected in the center of a Roman circus to guide the racing
chariots, but it was never completed. For centuries it was believed to be the tomb
of Pontius Pilate, who, according to a 12th-century legend, had died in Vienne
while living there in exile. Little else remains of the circus site, but it stirs your ima-
gination.
The city's famous restaurant, La Pyramide (named for its location on boulevard
Fernand-Point at the former Roman circus), has been endorsed by many gourmets
as the world's finest. Reservations are recommended at La Pyramide, which is
closed every Tuesday and Wednesday at noon in season and annually from
November through mid-December. Call ahead at 04 74 53 01 96 or fax the restaur-
ant at 04 74 85 69 73; www.lapyramide.com . It's expensive, but you only live once!
When departing from the main part of town, you can reach Vienne's pyramid and
the restaurant La Pyramide by taking the main road that runs to the south, cours de
Verdun (RN 7), to boulevard Fernand-Point, on your right. When proceeding from
the tourist information office at cours Brillier, head south on quai Riondet, and turn
left onto boulevard Fernand-Point.
Vienne also has its share of medieval buildings. Most of them are still being lived
in and look very much as they probably did back in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Although its industrial history is not as well known, for more than 200 years Vi-
enne was an important center for textiles, especially carded wool and a cloth called
“Renaissance.” The Musée de la Draperie, housed in the Saint Germain build-