Valence, Prefecture commune in southeastern France.
Valence is a prefecture commune in southeastern France that stretches across terraces on the left bank of the Rhône River, with the Massif Central to the west and the Vercors mountains to the east. The old town sits on a hill about 120 meters above sea level, with narrow lanes that lead to squares and churches.
The Romans founded the settlement in 121 BCE and developed it under Emperor Augustus into a colony to control trade routes between Italy and Gaul. During the Middle Ages, the town became a bishop's seat and gained importance through its location on the Rhône.
The cathedral with its Romanesque tower dates from the 11th century and shapes the city center, where locals hold their markets in the surrounding squares. Inside, stone carvings show biblical scenes that pilgrims and visitors have observed for generations.
The town has two railway stations, Valence-Ville in the center and Valence-TGV outside, which offer connections to Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. Travelers can explore the old town on foot, as most sights lie within a short distance of each other.
Old Roman canals still run through the urban area today and supply fields in the surroundings with water from the Rhône. These irrigation channels partly follow the ancient courses and continue to be used by farmers.
Location: arrondissement of Valence
Location: Drôme
Elevation above the sea: 142 m
Shares border with: Guilherand-Granges, Soyons, Alixan, Beaumont-lès-Valence, Bourg-lès-Valence, Chabeuil, Malissard, Montéléger, Montélier, Portes-lès-Valence, Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence
Address: 26000 Valence, France
Phone: +33475792000
Website: https://valence.fr
GPS coordinates: 44.93250,4.89083
Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00
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Valence preserves architecture from several centuries, from medieval religious buildings to Renaissance homes. The Cathedral Saint-Apollinaire dates from the 11th century and shows Romanesque construction, while the Maison des Têtes draws visitors with its sculpted 16th-century facade. Place des Clercs forms the heart of the old town, surrounded by shops and cafés. The Valence Museum sits in a former episcopal palace and displays collections of regional history and art. The city connects historic districts with parks and gardens along the Rhône River. Parc Jouvet offers shaded paths and views over the valley, while the Peynet Bandstand is a popular meeting place. The Mistral Bridge links both river banks and provides views of the surroundings. Along Grande Rue and neighboring streets, you find shops, markets, and restaurants. The Saint-Jean Church, the Maison Mauresque with oriental architecture, and the Valence-Ville train station show different architectural styles. Public squares like Champ de Mars and Aristide Briand Square serve as gathering places for locals and visitors.
This collection gathers restaurants in and around Valence, a city in the Rhône valley between Lyon and Provence. The selection ranges from starred establishments to neighborhood eateries. In Valence itself you will find places like Pic, a highly decorated house, or Flaveurs, which works with regional ingredients. Surrounding towns offer other tables, such as Auberge de Crussol in Saint-Péray or Maison Chabran in Pont-de-l'Isère. Some spots sit right by the Rhône, others in small villages like Mirmande or Baix. The cooking styles vary, often French with influences from elsewhere. Many chefs use products from the Drôme and neighboring departments. You encounter both classic preparations and more modern approaches. The list also includes simpler places like Le Bistrot des Clercs or La Ruche, which lean toward bistro fare. Overall the collection shows a wide spectrum of what you can eat in this area, without every address following the same template.
Valence-Ville railway station
518 m
Valence Cathedral
143 m
Maison des Têtes
67 m
Parc Jouvet, Valence
485 m
Kiosque Peynet
396 m
École régionale des beaux-arts de Valence
2.8 km
Cartoucherie de Bourg-lès-Valence
1.3 km
Pendentif de Valence
110 m
Champ de Mars
402 m
Frédéric Mistral bridge
563 m
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste
237 m
Fontaine monumentale
339 m
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valence
141 m
Parc Jean-Perdrix
2.7 km
Saint-Ruf
203 m
Maison Dupré-Latour
62 m
Valence city hall
143 m
Armenian Heritage Center of Valence
254 m
Notre-Dame de Soyons
299 m
Chapelle des Capucins de Valence
337 m
Église Sainte-Thérèse de Guilherand-Granges
1.1 km
Savanna & Cie, Goolfmania et Laser Park
3.8 km
Centre aqualudique de l'Épervière
1.9 km
Parc de l'Épervière
2.5 km
Clos Genest
1.2 km
Chapelle des Cordeliers de Valence
353 m
Marcel Paul Park
2.7 km
Building of the Savings Bank of Valence
326 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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The kiosk, a symbol of the city of Valence, offers a beautiful view of the Crussol Castle on the other side of the Rhône River. The city of Valence is worth a stop. Discover it!
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