Things To Do
in Valenciennes
Valenciennes is a charming city in northern France, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It boasts beautiful architecture, including a stunning cathedral and the picturesque Place d'Armes. The city is also famous for its traditional lace-making industry, a skill passed down through generations.
Valenciennes offers a vibrant atmosphere with cafes, restaurants, and shops lining its quaint streets, making it a delightful destination for visitors.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Valenciennes Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire classical and modern art. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café afterward.
Take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the city center, stopping at shops and local boutiques. Don't forget to visit the beautiful Place d'Armes to soak in the local atmosphere.
Dine at a quaint bistro that serves traditional French cuisine. After dinner, take a scenic walk along the canal to enjoy the evening views.
Begin your day with a morning walk in Parc de la Rhônelle, known for its lush greenery and tranquil pathways. Bring along a picnic breakfast to enjoy in the park.
Visit the nearby Jardin des Floralies, where you can admire a variety of flowers and landscapes. Spend some time relaxing on a bench, taking in the beauty around you.
Have dinner at a local restaurant with garden seating for a charming al fresco experience. Wind down your day with a sunset walk through the illuminated gardens.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and culture, including historical architecture and museums.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger French cities.
- Access to beautiful natural surroundings and parks.
- Good transportation links to nearby cities like Lille and Paris.
- A friendly and welcoming local community.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Smaller city lifestyle may not suit everyone.
- Some areas may have higher crime rates compared to the national average.
- Public transport options may be less frequent than in larger cities.
- Occasional social and entertainment options may be limited.
Best Activities in Valenciennes
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful park with walking paths, gardens, and a small lake for outdoor relaxation.
Explore Valenciennes and its surroundings by joining a guided bike tour to discover the city's scenic spots and hidden gems.
A spacious park where visitors can enjoy picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor sports activities such as football and tennis.
Tours
Uncover the best of Valenciennes with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Valenciennes
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic castle with scenic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
A spacious public square offering panoramic views of Valenciennes and a great spot for photography.
A beautiful garden with picturesque scenery and great photo opportunities.
Food in Valenciennes
Valenciennes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular dish consisting of a slice of bread topped with beer-soaked cheese, ham, and sometimes a fried egg. It's typically served with fries. Recommended place to try: La Brasserie de la Rhonelle.
Must-Try!
A savory leek tart made with a creamy custard filling, often cooked until golden brown. It's a classic local specialty. Recommended place to try: Chez Maxence et Léontine.
A Flemish beef and onion stew braised in beer, often seasoned with thyme and bay leaf. It's a comforting and flavorful dish. Recommended place to try: Le Grand Café.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Valenciennes better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh produce, cheese, bread, and local specialties. It's a great place to sample regional cheeses, charcuterie, and artisanal treats.
This iconic snack stand is known for serving delicious Belgian-style fries with a variety of sauces. It's a popular spot for a quick and satisfying street food experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Valenciennes, it is customary to greet people with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek. It is important to maintain eye contact and use formal titles like 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' when addressing individuals.
Valenciennes locals value their personal space, so it is important to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others. Avoid standing too close or touching someone without permission.
When dining in Valenciennes, it is polite to wait for the host to start eating before you begin. Additionally, it is customary to keep your hands visible on the table and to say 'bon appétit' before starting the meal.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Valenciennes with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Valenciennes
Ensure a smooth experience
In Valenciennes, France, tipping is not obligatory as a service charge is often included in the bill. However, it is appreciated to leave a small amount of change or round up the bill in restaurants and cafes to show satisfaction with the service.
Payments in Valenciennes, France are predominantly made by cash or card. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and hotels, accept major credit and debit cards. It is always advisable to carry some euros in cash, particularly for smaller purchases and in more traditional establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Valenciennes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Visiting Valenciennes in spring, from March to May, offers mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It's a great time to explore the city's gardens and parks and enjoy outdoor activities.
Summer, from June to August, brings warm weather and lively festivals in Valenciennes. Visitors can enjoy outdoor events, street performances, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Autumn, from September to November, showcases the beautiful fall foliage in Valenciennes. It's a picturesque time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and seasonal harvest festivals.
Winter, from December to February, may be cold in Valenciennes, but it offers a cozy atmosphere with holiday markets, warm drinks, and festive decorations throughout the city.
Valenciennes at Night
Hiking in Valenciennes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large regional nature park offering various hiking trails and beautiful landscapes along the Scarpe and Escaut rivers.
A forest area with several marked hiking trails, providing a mix of woodland, wildlife, and natural beauty.
A scenic path along the canal, perfect for walking and cycling, offering views of the water and surrounding greenery.
A park featuring trails for walking, surrounded by nature and ideal for family outings or leisurely hikes.
Located a bit further away, this hill offers hiking opportunities with panoramic views and serene landscapes.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Valenciennes through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Valenciennes by plane.
Located approximately 40 kilometers from Valenciennes, Lille Airport serves both domestic and international flights and is the closest major airport to the region.
Situated about 130 kilometers from Valenciennes, Brussels Airport is a major international airport in Belgium, offering extensive international flight connections.
Located around 130 kilometers from Valenciennes, Charleroi Airport primarily serves low-cost carriers and offers various international destinations.
Approximately 200 kilometers from Valenciennes, CDG is one of the largest international airports in Europe, providing numerous international flight options.
Located about 250 kilometers from Valenciennes, Amsterdam Schiphol is a major international hub, facilitating a wide range of global flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, consisting of those who identify as French nationals.
Individuals from various countries who have settled in Valenciennes, contributing to the cultural diversity.
A significant portion of the population is made up of older adults, often involving retirees.
Young people, particularly those attending local educational institutions, including universities.
Various ethnic groups, including North African, African, and other communities.
The Soul of Valenciennes
Discover the essence of Valenciennes through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Valenciennes, with the local team, Valenciennes FC, competing in various French leagues.
Handball enjoys a significant following in Valenciennes, with local clubs providing opportunities for both youth and adult players.
Basketball is also popular in the community, with several clubs engaging players of all ages and levels.
Cycling is a favored activity in Valenciennes, both as a sport and a means of transport, with various cycling paths and events.
Athletics has a strong presence in Valenciennes, with local clubs and events encouraging participation in track and field sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Valenciennes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional local cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants in Valenciennes offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of classic dishes, along with creative plant-based options that showcase the region's produce and dairy.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find gluten-free options at several restaurants and bakeries in Valenciennes, including gluten-free pastries, bread, and carefully prepared gluten-free versions of regional specialties.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Valenciennes with these cultural adventures.
