Combining the fine culture of northern France with the great weather of the south, Valence has long been a favorite stopping place for visitors to the Rhone. Enjoy its neatly laid out boulevards, spacious gardens and charming architectural features that give it character. Superb restaurants provide ample reason to extend your stay.
Be sure to explore the old town. Its crowning jewel is the Cathédrale St-Apollinaire. An 11th-century pilgrimage church once stood on this spot but was almost totally destroyed during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century. The cathedral that replaced it features an interior with exquisite carvings of Christ and other saints. Look for a superb sandstone monument of Pope Pius VI who died in Valence in 1799.
The town’s other main architectural delight is La Maison des Têtes, a short walk from the cathedral. Wander the corridors and courtyards of this 16th-century house and admire flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance design features. View the sinister-looking figures of Greek nobility adorning the walls. On the façade, see statues representing the elements of wind, time, fortune and theology.
The town is easy to cover on foot, although many use the public bike-sharing system. However you get there, be sure to explore the winding medieval streets around the old town. Here, visit small boutique stores and charming cafés. For something more secluded, head to either of the two parks on the outskirts of the town center. The Champ de Mars features Valence’s iconic bandstand while the large, open Parc Jouvet provides the perfect spot for a picnic in the sun.
Valence is known for its fine cuisine, so treat yourself to a meal out at one of the town’s superb restaurants. One of the best is run by famous local chef Anne-Sophie Pic, only the fourth female ever to receive three Michelin stars. The restaurant also includes a five-star hotel. If this is out of your price range, you’ll find many more accommodation options around the town.
