Valenciennes

Log in to your account

AroundUs is a community-driven map of interesting places, built by curious explorers like you. It grows with every review, story, and photo you share.
Connect to save your favorite spots, contribute locations, and create personalized routes.
By continuing, you accept our Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy
Add to collection
Map
Suggest a change
Share

Valenciennes, Commune and administrative center in Nord, France

Valenciennes is a commune and administrative center in the arrondissement of Valenciennes in the Nord department in northern France. The municipal area covers 113 square kilometers (44 square miles), while the center sits at an elevation of 42 meters (138 feet) above sea level.

The settlement was first documented in 693 AD and developed from a Roman establishment into a major medieval trading post. In 1678, the territory became part of France.

The Museum of Fine Arts preserves paintings and sculptures that document centuries of regional art history and show artistic exchange with Flanders. The collection reflects connections between local workshops and the great schools of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

The tramway system opened in 2006 connects several districts and neighboring communes while offering direct access to the central railway station. Visitors can explore the different neighborhoods on foot or using public transport.

After World War One, the town received the Croix de Guerre military decoration in 1918 for its resistance and liberation. This honor recalls the heavy destruction and reconstruction that residents experienced following the occupation.

Location: Nord

Location: arrondissement of Valenciennes

Elevation above the sea: 34 m

Shares border with: Bruay-sur-l'Escaut, Anzin, Aulnoy-lez-Valenciennes, Marly, Petite-Forêt, Saint-Saulve, La Sentinelle, Trith-Saint-Léger

Address: Pl. de la Gare, 59300 Valenciennes, France

Phone: +33327225900

Email: contact@ville-valenciennes.fr

Website: http://valenciennes.fr

GPS coordinates: 50.35806,3.52333

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:04

Photos
Host cities of the Tour de France 2025

The Tour de France 2025 takes place from July 5 to 27 and marks the 112th edition of this major bike race. It is one of the three biggest road cycling events of the year. This collection shows the towns where the Tour caravan will stop, from northern cities like Lille and Dunkirk to the Norman lands and beyond. Each stage crosses regions full of history and character. You will see port towns facing the English Channel, old mining areas turned into new places, and medieval towns where the buildings tell stories of the past centuries. From Dunkirk’s bell tower to Lille’s fortifications, from Amiens’ cathedral to the half-timbered houses of Rouen, these spots show the country’s history. Some towns also have museums and monuments that remember key moments, like Caen with its memorial, or Bayeux with its famous 11th-century tapestry. Following the Tour is also about traveling through these regions and seeing how cycling has been a part of daily life for more than a hundred years.

Reviews

Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.

« Valenciennes - Commune and administrative center in Nord, France » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!

From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.

Around Us App Screenshot

A unique approach to discovering new places

Le Figaro

All the places worth exploring

France Info

A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks

20 Minutes