Viviers is a village in the department of Ardèche in southern France. It is known for its medieval cathedral and views over the Rhone river. Th…Viviers is a village in the department of Ardèche in southern France. It is known for its medieval cathedral and views over the Rhone river. The village's name is derived from the Latin Vivarium, referring to fish farming ponds built on the banks of the Rhône by the Romans to supply Alba Helviorum. A Roman-built bridge designed to facilitate trade in the area still stands near the village's center.