Valenciennes is located 50 km from Lille and 20 km from the border with Belgium . This is a very small, very old and very quiet town . In all its history, he managed to visit the rulers of Lorraine, Flanders, Bavaria, Burgundy, Austria and Spain . Valenciennes is known for his football team, which the residents are very proud of - so much so that her new home stadium holds more than half the population of the whole city . And, of course, Valenciennes is famous for the expensive and delicate lace that weave here from the Middle centuries . But, in truth Valenciennes is not the place where it makes sense to stay for a long time . Most likely, for the whole morning you will not meet in the cramped streets of the old part of the city or a soul, walk quietly along them and go yourself further .
How to get to Valenciennes
The TGV direct train goes to Valenciennes from Paris, from which to Valenciennes about 200 km. The train from Lille goes to Valenciennes 35 minutes
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A little history
The first mention from the city occurs in written sources of the 7th century . Later this town in Lower Lorraine began to develop near the border, and even miraculously escaped the epidemic of black death of the early 11th century . In the 17th century, the city was taken over by the French, and Marshal Vauban built here defensive fortifications, but two centuries later his walls were dismantled . During both great Valenciennes wars destroyed almost completely: during the First World War there was a line of Hindenbu ha, and after World War II almost the entire city center had to be rebuilt from the wreckage .
Valenciena's entertainment, excursions and attractions
The main religious and architectural landmark of the city is the Cathedral of Our Lady of Cordon. It is a beautiful neo-Gothic church of light stone, with a tall, graceful bell tower, which, however, is already in serious need of restoration. On construction, one can still see traces of shells from the times of the First World War. Restorative work is carried out at the expense of charitable donations, so it's slow.
- To see the interesting Phoenix theater built in 1998 is the best example of modern city architecture.
- Ride the tram. They were abolished in the 60's. but at the beginning of the present, it was revived again, and the current Valenciennes trams are very modern and stylish.
- Try the local pastries "Karpo" and "Germinal" - a chocolate candy that was made in Valenciennes after the Claude Berry movie of the same name.
And the oldest city church is the Gothic Saint-Jerry, built in the 13th century. It is distinguished by a rectangular high bell tower, reminiscent of the castle tower. Opposite the bell tower you can see two interesting monuments. Firstly, it is a Watto fountain with a sculptural image of Antoine Watteau, a famous artist and a local native. The monument was installed in the second half of the 19th century. Secondly, it is a modern metal monument in the form of an open stepped arch.
In the cartographic (and not only) sense Valenciennes Center is the Arms Square . It is built up with beautiful mansions, among which is the City Hall with a pretentious and gracefully decorated pediment of the main facade with the clock . The building was heavily damaged during the war, but the façade of 1867 . was more or less preserved . It was restored in its original form and today is adorned with a contrasting, completely modern building . In the same area, we can but to see the modern impressive obelisk-needle 45 m high called "Beffroy" . The monument was delivered in 2007 . on the site of the old bell-beffroy .
Almost on the most Valenciennes Square on Boulevard Watteau stands the building of the Museum of Fine Arts . In his collection you can see art, the earliest of which are dated by the Gallo-Roman period, and the later ones - by the 20th century . Here is a wonderful collection of works by Flemish artists (including Rubens and Van Dyck) and French painters - Watteau, Patera, Lancret and t . d . In the courtyard of the building there is a sculptural garden where you can see the works of Jean -Batista Karpo and his contemporaries . Before the museum there is a gazebo and a nice view of the old water tower opens up from the square .
Valenciennes Multimedia Library is opened in the building of the former Jesuit college, which It was built in the 17th century and today it belongs to historical monuments. The building is adjoined by an interesting Baroque church. Here is a rich collection of priceless manuscripts, including the oldest poetic work in French, "Cantilena of Saint Eulalia," dating back to 882
One of the oldest urban buildings is the Spanish mansion on Ascirev Street, which to the south- east of the Town Hall. It was built during the Spanish occupation: that is, not later than the second half of the 17th century. Today the house has a tourist office. This is a corner wooden building, on the first floor of which there are preserved cell windows in wooden frames, and on the second floor there are balconies lined with wood.
You can book Valenciennes best value hotels at the best prices
| Mercure Valenciennes Center from 5 371 RUB Valenciennes 5, rue Saint Cordon | Novotel Valenciennes from 4 407 RUR Valenciennes Rue de Maugré | |
| Campanile Valenciennes - Rouvignies from 2 686 rubles Valenciennes Rue Louis Dacquin | Le Grand Hotel from 4 682 rubles Valenciennes 8 Place De La Gare | Hôtel Baudouin from 3 581 rubles Valenciennes 90 Rue Baudouin L'edifieur |
| Hôtel balladins Valenciennes Aéroport from 3,374 rubles Valenciennes rue Louis Dacquin, Zi No 2 | Hotel Notre Dame from 4,476 rubles Valenciennes 1 Place Abbé Thellier De Poncheville | Hotel Le Bristol from 3 718 rub Valenciennes 2 Avenue Marechal De Lattre De Tassiny |
Another remarkable with architectural and historical points of view urban construction This is the church of St. Michael, which stands on the corner of Liege Avenue and the St.-Roche street. It very organically fits into the overall architectural appearance of the avenue, built up by homogeneous, richly decorated buildings. Also worthy of attention is the tower of Doden, built in the 14th century as part of the city fortifications. It stands directly in front of the beautiful Ronell Park, and the bell on the tower still rings every day in honor of the Virgin of Cordon.
A rare and expensive Valenciennes lace - one of the most highly valued in the world . In the 18th century this art reached an unprecedented peak thanks to local resident Françoise Badar . She built a women's artel in order to share her experience with others . Before the French Revolution the company has grown many times, and it occupied about 4 thousand . workers . After the revolution Valenciennes lace from market goods The object of high art . The school of lacework still works in the city . The lace samples can be viewed in the lobby of the Town Hall and in the multimedia library . And also - drawing attention to the windows of many apartment houses .