Fun Things to Do in Valence | Travel Guide (2024) | Best Places to Visit
Valence Travel Guide
Quick overview of Valence with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
Valence, a charming city located in southeastern France, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers. Nestled on the banks of the Rhone River, Valence offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, picturesque streets, and vibrant squares, this city is a delight for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers. Valence is also known for its gastronomy, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and local markets offering a wide array of delicious regional specialties. Additionally, the city serves as a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Drome region, where visitors can explore vineyards, lavender fields, and charming villages. Whether you're seeking a cultural experience, culinary delights, or outdoor adventures, Valence has something to offer for every traveler.
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Things To Do In Valence
Valence is a beautiful city located in the southeastern part of the country. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some things to do in Valence:
1. Explore the Old Town: Valence's Old Town is a charming area filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and picturesque squares. Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved architecture.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Apollinaire: This stunning cathedral dates back to the 11th century and is a must-see attraction in Valence. Marvel at its intricate Gothic architecture and explore the beautiful interior.
3. Stroll along the Rhone River: Valence is situated on the banks of the Rhone River, providing a perfect setting for a leisurely walk or bike ride. Enjoy the scenic views and relax in one of the riverside parks.
4. Discover the Maison des Tetes: This unique building is known for its ornate facade adorned with numerous sculpted heads. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and appreciate the intricate details.
5. Indulge in local cuisine: Valence is renowned for its gastronomy, and trying the local dishes is a must-do. Taste the famous Valence chocolate, enjoy a meal at a traditional bistro, or visit the local markets to sample fresh produce.
6. Explore the Musee de Valence: This museum showcases the history and art of the region. Browse through the extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and archaeological artifacts to gain a deeper understanding of Valence's cultural heritage.
7. Take a boat trip on the Rhone: Experience Valence from a different perspective by taking a boat trip along the Rhone River. Enjoy the scenic views of the city and surrounding countryside as you cruise along the water.
8. Attend a festival or event: Valence hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Check the event calendar to see if there are any festivities happening during your visit.
Tours And Activities In Valence
Check out these Experiences around the Valence region. Read real reviews and highlights.
Check out Top-Rated Tours and Activities in Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes (State region of Valence).
Best Time To Visit Valence
The best time to visit Valence is during the spring and fall seasons. The weather during these times is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Additionally, tourist crowds are generally smaller during these seasons, allowing visitors to explore the city and its attractions more comfortably. However, it is important to note that Valence hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Valence Jazz Festival in June and the Fete de la Musique in June, which can add to the vibrancy and cultural experience of the visit.
Flight Calendar For Valence
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Best Areas To Stay In Valence
Valence offers several great areas for accommodation. Here are a few of the best areas to consider:
1. City Center: The City Center of Valence is a vibrant and bustling area, perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Here, you'll find a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. The City Center is also home to many of Valence's main attractions, such as the stunning Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral and the charming Maison des Tetes.
2. Champs de Mars: Located just south of the City Center, Champs de Mars is a peaceful and residential neighborhood. This area is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers. Champs de Mars also offers a variety of accommodation options, including cozy bed and breakfasts and modern apartments.
3. Porte Les Valence: Situated on the eastern outskirts of Valence, Porte Les Valence is a popular area for both locals and tourists. This neighborhood offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Accommodation options in Porte Les Valence range from comfortable hotels to self-catering apartments.
4. Montplaisir: Located to the northwest of the City Center, Montplaisir is a quiet and residential area. This neighborhood is known for its charming streets lined with traditional French houses and gardens. Montplaisir offers a range of accommodation options, including cozy guesthouses and boutique hotels.
5. Fontbarlettes: Situated to the southwest of the City Center, Fontbarlettes is a diverse and multicultural neighborhood. This area is home to a vibrant community and offers a variety of shops, markets, and restaurants. Accommodation options in Fontbarlettes include budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses.
Overall, Valence has a range of great areas for accommodation, each offering its own unique charm and amenities. Whether you prefer to stay in the bustling City Center or opt for a quieter residential neighborhood, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay in Valence.
Hotels Map Of Valence
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Transportation To Valence
There are several transportation options to Valence.
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Valence is Valence-Chabeuil Airport (VAF), which is located about 10 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach your destination in Valence.
2. By Train: Valence has a well-connected train station called Valence-Ville, which is served by high-speed TGV trains as well as regional trains. You can take a train from major cities in France, such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Grenoble, to reach Valence.
3. By Bus: There are also bus services available to Valence from various cities in France and neighboring countries. Companies like FlixBus and Eurolines operate regular bus routes to Valence.
4. By Car: If you prefer to drive, Valence is easily accessible by car. The city is located on the A7 motorway, which connects Lyon and Marseille. The journey time from Lyon to Valence is approximately 1 hour, while from Marseille it takes around 2 hours.
5. By Bicycle: Valence is a bike-friendly city with a well-developed network of cycling paths. If you enjoy cycling, you can consider renting a bike or bringing your own to explore the city and its surroundings.
Once you arrive in Valence, the city has a reliable public transportation system consisting of buses and trams, which can be used to get around the city and its suburbs.
Nearby Destination From Valence
1. Lyon: Known for its Renaissance architecture and vibrant culinary scene.
2. Grenoble: Surrounded by the stunning French Alps, offering excellent skiing and outdoor activities.
3. Avignon: Famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and hosting the annual Avignon Festival.
4. Montelimar: Renowned for its production of nougat, a traditional French sweet.
5. Vienne: Boasts a rich Roman history, with well-preserved ruins and a stunning Roman theater.
6. Crest: Home to the highest medieval keep in France, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
7. Die: Known for its sparkling wine production and picturesque location along the Drome River.
8. Tain-l'Hermitage: A wine lover's paradise, famous for its vineyards and the renowned Hermitage wine.
9. Romans-sur-Isere: Celebrated for its shoe industry and charming historic center.
10. Privas: The capital of the Ardeche department, known for its chestnut production and beautiful landscapes.