Valenciennes Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Valenciennes, located in the Hauts-de-France region of France, is a charming commune that offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, Valenciennes is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers.

One of the main attractions in Valenciennes is the Grand Place, a picturesque square that serves as the heart of the city. Surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, cozy cafes, and lively markets, this bustling square is the perfect place to soak in the local ambiance. Visitors can also admire the stunning City Hall, a magnificent building that showcases a mix of architectural styles and houses the town's museum.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Valenciennes Museum of Fine Arts is a must. Housed in a former palace, this museum boasts an impressive collection of artworks ranging from medieval times to the present day. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary installations, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of artistic evolution.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the Parc de la Rhônelle, a serene green space that offers a peaceful escape from the city. With its lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and winding paths, this park is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. It is also home to a small zoo, where visitors can observe various animal species up close.

Valenciennes is also known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, showcasing music, dance, theater, and more. The Centre André Malraux is a cultural center that regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops, providing a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their talents.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the local gastronomy. Valenciennes is known for its delicious regional specialties, such as the famous "Flamiche aux Maroilles," a savory pie made with local Maroilles cheese. Visitors can also indulge in a wide variety of other French and international cuisines at the city's many restaurants and cafes.

Alternative names: Population: 44.8 thous. (2019)Area: 5.34 mi²Elevation: 98 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°21'28"N, 3°31'25"E

Location

Hauts-de-FranceFrance

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Valenciennes Top Attractions

Valenciennes Attractions - What to See and Explore

Valenciennes offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Musée des Beaux-Arts, Anzin, Marly, Église Saint-Géry. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Art museum • Museum
Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes is a treasure trove of artistic brilliance nestled in the heart of Valenciennes, France. This esteemed museum, renowned for its rich collection of paintings and sculptures, serves as a cultural beacon in the region.
Area
Anzin
Anzin is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. It lies on the Scheldt, 2.4 kilometres northwest of Valenciennes, of which it is a suburb.
Area
Marly
Marly is a commune in the Nord department in northern France. It is 3 km southeast of Valenciennes.

Sacred and religious sites • Church
Église Saint-Géry
The Saint-Géry church is a Catholic church located in Valenciennes, in France.
50°21'29"N • 3°31'24"E
Valenciennes tramway
The Valenciennes tramway is a tram system serving Valenciennes and part of its surrounding areas, in the Nord department of France. Since 2014 the network consists of two lines with a total of 33.8 mi of track and 48 stations.
City hall
Hôtel de Ville de Valenciennes
The town hall of Valenciennes houses the municipal institutions of this city since the Middle Ages. It is located on the Place d'Armes and is a listed building.
Architecture • Sacred and religious sites • Church
Église Notre-Dame du Saint-Cordon
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Holy Cordon is a Catholic basilica located in Valenciennes, Nord.
50°21'7"N • 3°31'15"E
L'H de Siège
Museum • Art gallery
50°21'43"N • 3°31'35"E
Communauté d'agglomération Valenciennes Métropole
Communauté d'agglomération Valenciennes Métropole is the communauté d'agglomération, an intercommunal structure, centred on the city of Valenciennes. It is located in the Nord department, in the Hauts-de-France region, northern France. It was created in December 2000. Its area is 263.5 km2.
50°21'23"N • 3°31'19"E
Rue de Famars
Square
Memorial
Puits de Saint-Saulve
The Compagnie des mines de Marly was a mining company that exploited coal in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais mining basin, at Saint-Saulve. Unlike the other companies, the one in Marly did not have continuity.
50°21'35"N • 3°31'10"E
Bibliothèque municipale de Valenciennes
Library
Universities and schools
University of Valenciennes and Hainaut-Cambresis
The Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France, previously known as University of Valenciennes and Hainaut-Cambrésis until 1 January 2018, is a French public university, based in Valenciennes.

Day trips

Valenciennes – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Valenciennes, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille (Lille), La Piscine Museum (Roubaix), Matisse Museum (Le Cateau-Cambrésis).

28 milesNW
Museum
Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, Lille
The Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille is a premier cultural destination nestled in the heart of Lille, France. As one of the largest and most esteemed museums in the country, after the Louvre, it stands as a testament to the city's rich artistic heritage.
28 milesNW
Specialty museum, Museum, Art museum
La Piscine Museum, Roubaix
Nestled in the heart of Roubaix, France, La Piscine Museum stands as an emblem of artistic innovation and cultural heritage. This unique museum, which was once a bustling public swimming pool, has been transformed into a sanctuary of art and design, preserving the...
17 milesS
Art museum, Museum
Matisse Museum, Le Cateau-Cambrésis
Nestled in the quaint town of Le Cateau-Cambrésis in northern France, the Matisse Museum offers an intimate encounter with the art of one of the leading figures of modern art, Henri Matisse. The museum, located in the artist's birthplace, is a testament to his...
30 milesNW
Forts and castles
Grands Moulins de Paris, Lille
Grands Moulins de Paris, nestled in the quaint town of Marquette-lez-Lille, near the vibrant city of Lille, France, is a testament to the region's rich industrial heritage. This historic site, which translates to "Great Mills of Paris," was once a bustling flour mill...
28 milesNW
Memorial
Column of the Goddess, Lille
The Goddess Column, also known as the Deesse Column, is an important monument located in the very heart of the city of Lille, in northern France. It is a commemorative monument that celebrates the defense of the city during the siege of 1792, when the inhabitants of...

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Best Time To Visit Valenciennes

Learn when is the best time to travel to Valenciennes weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April, May and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, April and August. Most of it rains in May, June, July, October, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Valenciennes?

The top attractions to visit in Valenciennes are:

What is the best time to visit Valenciennes?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April, May and July. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.