Valenciennes

Valenciennes, sometimes referred to as the "Athens of the North," is a city in the Hauts-de-France region, situated along the Scheldt River, near the Belgian border. This historical city, home to approximately 43,000 residents, presents a fusion of French allure and Flemish ancestry. Once the seat of the historic province of French Hainaut, Valenciennes possesses a profound past that resonates through its thoroughfares.

Despite considerable damage during both World Wars, the city has been rebuilt, preserving key historical sites and cultivating a thriving cultural landscape. Valenciennes is recognized for its artistic heritage, being the birthplace of notable masters such as painter Antoine Watteau and sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. The city invites visitors to uncover its architectural grace, explore its green expanses, and delve into its distinctive regional cuisine.

## From Roman Beginnings to French Sovereignty Valenciennes' origins reach back to Roman times, though its earliest mentions appear in 693 under Merovingian king Clovis II. In 881, the city endured an invasion by the Vikings, and in 1008, a severe famine brought forth the plague. Following the division of the Carolingian Empire in 843, Valenciennes maintained a neutral stance, bordering West Francia and Lotharingia. By 923, it became a Mark of the Holy Roman Empire, with the Counts of Hainaut succeeding the margraves as rulers in 1070.

## Burgundian Influence and the Spanish Netherlands Valenciennes prospered under the Counts of Hainaut. In 1328, Philippa of Hainaut married Edward III of England in Valenciennes. The city came under the dominion of Philip III (the Good), Duke of Burgundy, in 1433, and subsequently passed to Charles I (the Bold). In 1477, the Burgundian Netherlands, including Valenciennes, transitioned to the Habsburg family. During the 16th century, Valenciennes emerged as an early center of Calvinism and witnessed the first act of resistance against the persecution of Protestants in the Spanish Netherlands in 1562.

## Sieges and Integration into France The city was subjected to several sieges throughout its existence. Louis XI unsuccessfully attempted to conquer it. A significant event was the Siege of Valenciennes in 1677, during the Franco-Dutch War, when the armies of Louis XIV, led by Vauban, captured the city. The Treaty of Nijmegen in 1678 formally ceded Valenciennes to France, effectively dividing the former county of Hainaut. From 1677, Vauban constructed a citadel, which stood for two centuries.

## Industrial Transformation and the Modern Era The 18th century saw Valenciennes' economy driven by coal mining and the porcelain industry. The discovery of the first French coalfield near Valenciennes in 1720 marked the advent of industrialization in the region, leading to the creation of the Anzin company. This reshaped the landscape and economy, resulting in rapid industrialization and population growth. The Nord-Pas de Calais Mining Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012, stands as a testament to this industrial legacy. However, the 20th century brought immense devastation. Much of the town was destroyed during World War I and again in World War II, particularly during a devastating fire in May 1940. The city center was subsequently rebuilt, with an emphasis on modernizing while preserving its identity. Since the decline of traditional industries like steel and textiles in the 1970s, Valenciennes has reimagined itself, focusing on automobile production and technological innovation.

Valenciennes presents a blend of historical locations, artistic treasures, and green spaces. The Musée des Beaux-Arts stands as a cultural focal point, housing an extensive collection of Flemish painting, including works by Rubens and Jordaens, alongside pieces by local masters Antoine Watteau and Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux. Its monumental sculpture hall is considered among France's finest. The Hôtel de Ville on Place d'Armes is a magnificent neoclassical structure, reconstructed after WWII, displaying allegorical statues and a pediment by Carpeaux. Nearby, the Basilica of Notre-Dame du Saint-Cordon bears bullet marks from World War I battles, a poignant echo of its past.

For a glimpse into the city's medieval era, seek out the Dodenne Tower, a remaining fragment of the city's fortifications, offering views over the Parc de la Rhonelle. This English-style garden is regarded as one of the region's most beautiful. Another historical treasure is La Maison Espagnole, with its curved wooden beams, dating back to Spanish rule in the 1500s. The angular Beffroi tower, completed in 2007, provides an observation deck for sweeping city views. For those interested in industrial heritage, the wider Valenciennois region preserves vestiges of its coal mining past, including emblematic pits and slag heaps.

Valenciennes experiences a temperate climate influenced by the Atlantic, leading to mild weather without extreme temperature shifts. The ideal time to visit for warm-weather activities is from late June to early September, when average daily high temperatures exceed 20°C (68°F). July and August are the warmest months, with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and daytime highs reaching 23.5°C (74°F), perfect for strolls and sightseeing. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, with December typically being the wettest month and April the driest. Spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) also offer mild weather and a quieter appeal.

Valenciennes is well-connected within Europe, located approximately 50 kilometers from Lille and 100 kilometers from Brussels, with direct TGV connections to Paris. The city is readily accessible by motorway. Navigating Valenciennes is straightforward, with many central attractions within walking distance. The city also maintains an urban transport network. For parking, information is available through the Valenciennes Tourism and Convention Bureau.

Local cuisine reflects a blend of French sophistication and substantial Flemish traditions, with dishes often incorporating beer. Be sure to try carbonnade flamande, tender beef slow-cooked in beer sauce, and the regional Maroilles cheese. Artisanal shops offer lace fabrics, pottery, regional delicacies, and handcrafted chocolates. The covered market on Place d'Armes operates twice weekly, selling local produce, cheese, meats, and flowers.