The 5 Essential Things to do in Valenciennes
High place of the Hauts-de-France region, Valenciennes definitely has everything to please. If it shines with its dynamism, it is in the field of the arts that the city reveals its true wealth. It is not insignificant that it is nicknamed: "the Athens of the north". Thus, we have selected for you 5 essential activities to do in Valenciennes.
Beaux-arts museum
Built under the Third Republic, the Museum of Fine Arts of Valenciennes features monumental architecture extending over 4,400 m2. From Gallo-Roman archeology to the first half of the 20th century, the museum houses a collection of the most remarkable works of art that can only delight its many visitors. We find there in particular the works of Van Dyck, Rubens or the sculptures of Crauk and Lemaire, as well as the works of Antoine Watteau, painter and JB Carpeaux, sculptor, natives of Valenciennes. Namely that the majority of the sculptures are majestically at the heart of the building.
Art in the city
Valenciennes pays particular attention to the conservation of the statues adorning its streets. It goes without saying that these are an integral part of its identity. There are thus nearly 85 statues scattered throughout the city. The old town is particularly full of hidden treasures representing a considerable tourist attraction. Moreover, a dedicated route is offered to you so that you can discover these famous works.
Do not miss either the rue de Famars known to house a good number of art workshops. We can mention in particular the gilder's workshop, the specificity of which is to apply a golden film on works of art requiring a small renovation. There is also the Palissandre workshop-gallery specializing in the manufacture and restoration of furniture or works of art through quality know-how. As for the Kosak gallery, it is distinguished by a combination of old and contemporary works and furniture. Valenciennes talents are particularly honoured.
The circuit of lights
If the statues reign supreme, the nightlife is just as creative. Thus, when night comes, the architectural and artistic riches of the city come to light up to the delight of tourists and Valenciennes alike. If you want to go out in Valenciennes, this animation is part of the continuity of the Lighting Plan initiated in 2012 and allows both a reduction in energy consumption and an attenuation of light pollution affecting the fauna and flora of parks and gardens. .
Two routes are offered to the curious who wish to take full advantage of this festival of lights: the promenade des Arts and the route des Chalands. It is also an opportunity for the city to demonstrate its skills in urban lighting.
The former library and chapel of the Jesuits
This large volume now houses the municipal media library and contains one of the finest collections of ancient manuscripts in the region from the abbeys. Among its treasures is the “Cantilène de Sainte Eulalie”, the oldest known text in the French language, written around 882.
The main façade, pierced on two levels with Louis XIII style windows, and oculis adorned with Louis XVI garlands testifies to the influence of French ornamentation on local architects, but it also illustrates the fidelity to the framed brick of white stones, slate roof, stepped gable. On the ground floor is the old parlor while the first floor houses the "Jesuit room" former library restored to its original state. It now offers the most complete French example of decoration painted in the 18th century.
A rich mining heritage
During your stay in Valenciennes, it will be impossible for you to miss the history of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais mining basin. The latter has also been included on the renowned UNESCO World Heritage List since 2012.
It was in 1720 that this remarkable mining landscape began to take shape, spearheaded by coal mining. The coal was discovered in Fresnes-sur-Escaut, a town a few kilometers from Valenciennes.
The Nord-Pas-de-Calais mining area extends over 120,000 hectares and includes a fine range of heritage elements including railway stations, the castles of the leaders, the villages of miners, pits and headframes. Its industrial heritage is indisputable, we learn in particular the conditions in which the miners lived and the worker solidarity that reigned there. A true testimony to the history of industrial Europe.
The mining basin was particularly highlighted in the film Germinal by Claude Berri dating from 1993, prospering at the same time this historical and territorial wealth.
Thus, Valenciennes and its territory are a tourist destination full of surprises. In addition to having a rich history throughout the mining basin, it values art and culture in all its forms.
