Top 10 Things to Do in Valence, France

Top 10 Things to Do in Valence, France

Valence is located southeast of France on the left bank of the Rhone River. The word Valence comes from the Latin word Valentia meaning “strength” or “capacity”.  During the Roman times it was known as Valentia, Julia. It is also referred to as the gateway to the south of France. Its residents are known as Valentinois.

The old city of Valence was Gallo-Roman city. The locals saying á Valence le  Midi commence meaning at valence the Midi begins pays tribute to the city’s Southern culture. Share Valence’s rich heritage by participating in these 10 fun things to do while at Valence.

1. The Museum of Art and Archaeology, Valence

The Museum Of Art And Archaeology Valence – Flickr

The museum is located in the episcopal palace and was established in 1850. The museum is divided into two sections; the archaeological sector, it retraces the history of the people of middle Rhone valley and their evolution through the years to the modern times; the art section, it displays paintings, drawings and decorative arts.

During your visit to the museum also take time to appreciate the old massive episcopal palace that has been well-preserved. The palace provides an amazing view as it overlooks the Rhone River as it meanders along its course. Roam around the palace’s courtyard and relax in the garden. Have a relaxing but yet educative trip to this one of a kind museum.

2. The Valence Cathedral

Cathédrâle Saint-Apollinaire de Valence – Wikipedia

It is a Roman Catholic Church in the Romanesque style that was completed in the 12^th century under the leadership of Bishop Gontard. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Apollinaire. Originally the cathedral was dedicated to Saint Cornelius and Cyprian. In 1095, it was rededicated to Saint Apollinaris by Pope Urban II when he consecrated the cathedral. It is the seat of the Bishop of Valence.

The church suffered damages during the French wars of Religion and the current cathedral is a result of the 17^th century restoration. Fortunately the porch and the stone tower above it are from the 12^th century church. The church houses the monument of Pius VI, who died during his imprisonment in Valencia.

3. The Maison des Tetes

Maison des têtes – Wikimedia Commons

It translated to the house of the heads in English. This is a beautiful building that commands attention with its decorative façade characterized by the flamboyant Gothic style. The building is covered with many sculptors that will keep your eyes ducking from one area to the other with excitement of discovering something new. The house was classified as a historical monument in 1980.

The building was built between 1528 and 1532 by Professor Antoine de Dorne. The figurative images that adorn the building are allegories of winds, takes the form of four faces with cheeks swollen with air to symbolize the four cardinal points; Time and Fortune, represented by a man and woman who are completely naked; law, theology and medicine.

4. The Parc Jouvet

Valence Parc Jouvet – Wikimedia Commons

This 7 hectare piece of green paradise is located on the banks of the Rhone River. It is a botanical garden named after Theodore Jouvet, whose generous donation to the city of Valence enable the city to purchase the land. The garden is an amalgamated style between the French and the English style. The park was opened to the public in 1905.

The park has at least 700 trees with some trees coming from as far as India such as the Indian lilac. The garden is well maintained and there is plenty of green space for various activities such as sun bathing, walking or picnicking. There is also a great play area for the young ones to enjoy.

5. The Château de Crussol

Crussol – Wikipedia

The chateau de crussol is a 12^th century limestone castle that is currently in need of urgent restoration. It is located at the edge of a cliff on the hill Crussol, 200 meters high. The site was classified as a historical monument in 1927.

Legend says that when Napoleon was a young army officer at Valence he almost lost his life on the dangerous climb up the opposite bank of the Rhone to the top of the Chateau de Crussol.

Don’t let the current status of the castle keep you off, the castle has so much more to offer. Stretch your legs as you hike up to the castle and clamber all over the substantial ruins trying to make out what the castle might have looked like. Appreciate the 360 degrees aerial view of the vegetation below.

6. The Peynet Bandstand

Valence kiosque Peynet – Wikimedia Commons

It is one of the most famous landmarks of Valence. In 1942 sitting on a bench Raymond Peynet drew the bandstand of Valence in front of him with a little violinist playing alone on the steps and a little girl listening to him. Charmed by photo Max Favalelli name the drawing Lovers of Peyent The lovers of Peynet were used worldwide to symbolize love. Brassens would not have written “les bancs publics” without this two lovers.

The much loved Peynet Bandstand stands on the Champ de Mars and was designed by Architect Poitoux in 1890.

7. Dupré-Latpor Mansion

Valence Maison Dupre Latpor – Wikipedia

The hotel was built by the Genas family, a merchant family made rich by the salt trade, in rue Perollerie. However, the building gets its name from François Dupré who bought the building in 1760. The hotel was classified as a French historical monument in 1927.

The building is in Renaissance style with an impressive courtyard and staircase turret. The mansion was constructed with molasses stone.

8. Eglise Saint Jean Baptiste de Valence

Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste Valence – Wikipedia

Saint Jean Baptist Church is a Catholic Church in Romanesque style built in Saone stone in place of Saint Andeol Church. It was one of the first Christian places of worship in a then developing Valencia. The exact period of the church’s construction is unknown but it is believed to have been built during the high Middle Ages. The church was listed as a historic monument since 4^th August 1978.

The church is perched at the highest point of the city, a sign of its antiquity. During the wars of religion St. John church was burned down by armed Protestants. In 1720 the church was rebuilt under the decision of Bishop Valencia, M Jean Catela. Inside the church there is a table offered by Napoleon III represents the virgin.

9. Pendentif de Valence

Valence Pendentif – Wikimedia Commons

Pendentif de Valence is a Renaissance style funerary monument located at place du Pendue built in 1548 in memory of Canon Mistral, a wealthy merchant family. The funerary monument is in the cluster of Saint Apollinaire cathedral. It was built using molasses. It was classified as a historical monument in 1840.

Originally the monument was adorned with stained-glass windows, canopies and wrought iron fences but it was greatly damaged by the wars of religion. Around 1630 Madeleine de Vaches had it restored.  Upon her death the monument is left abandoned and sold. The monument was sold several more times before the city of Valence bought it and declared it monument classified.

10. The Monumental Fountain Valence

Valence Fontaine – Wikipedia

The monumental fountain is located at the corner of the boulevard Bancel and Maurice Clerc dating from 1887. It was designed and built by architect Eugene Poitoux. It replaced an earlier fountain of liberty breaking through its chains that was destroyed during the 2^nd empire. The fountain is built using echaillon stone, chomerac limestone and crussol stone.

The new fountain had a genie with wings and a mirror in his hand but it was destroyed by a storm in 1954. In 2005 the fountain was restored and moved slightly. The genie restored to his former grace.