The Place d’Armes
At the heart of the centre, Place d’Armes lines up its restored gabled façades facing the classical Town Hall and the carillon that has rung for centuries. Terraces stretch out as soon as the weather turns, and market stalls fill it on Wednesdays and Saturdays. A first drink taken here, in the shadow of the lost but not forgotten belfry, always opens a Valenciennes meeting well.
The Fine Arts Museum
Recently renovated, Valenciennes Fine Arts Museum holds a rich Flemish and French collection, from Rubens to Carpeaux, a son of the city. You also discover a few Watteau, another local figure, and spectacular sculptures. The bright rooms invite you to take your time together, to compare favourites before a Susanna or a chiselled bas-relief. A cultural outing on a human scale.
Along the Escaut and the Rhonelle
The landscaped Escaut banks cross the centre and lead to Watteau Square, whose statue honours the painter. A little further, Rhonelle Park offers lawns, play areas and small bridges. Saint-Géry Church watches over the historic quarter. On Lyad, Valenciennes members share their favourite walks; it is up to you to find someone to walk along the water with on the next fine day.
Date ideas
- Place d’Armes
- Town Hall
- Fine Arts Museum
- Escaut river
- Rhonelle river
- Watteau Square
- Saint-Géry Church
- Rhonelle Park
