Tour
3 km
1h10
21 audios
Text version
It’s time to head for the capital of the Drôme! Ideally located between the Ardèche and Vercors mountains, and just a few steps away from the Provence region, the city of Valence is the ideal starting point for a trip combining culture and nature. With a rich historical heritage that crosses the centuries, Valence is home to a number of monuments that are well worth a visit, including one of the very first to be listed as Historical Monument! Nicknamed “Gate to the South”, Valence strongly benefits from a privileged location and a Provencal atmosphere likely to entice you! Between cultural visits and hikes in the surrounding mountains, discover the Drôme and the city of Valence through this visit filled with history!
A true Valentinois landmark, the Pendentif has been part of the city's architectural heritage for over five centuries. Designed as a triumphal arch recalling those of Roman times, it was built in 1548 as a funeral chapel by Nicolas Mistral, one of the cathedral's monks. Read more
Take a look at the façade of this very special house: I don't need to tell you why it's called House of Heads, do I? The many sculptures that decorate it are heads representing Fortune, Time, Law, Medicine and so on... Built in the 16th century as a private mansion for Professor Antoine de Dorne, Read more
La Grand rue, or Grand Street is one of the liveliest streets in Valence. In addition to housing the authentic House of Heads, it is lined with small boutiques ideal for shopping. It's the heart of Valence's historic center, and well represents the alleys of the medieval city Read more
This charming street, is a great place to take a picture of an oh so typical medivial street representative of Valence’s town center, Narrow and lined with small houses with colorful blinds, Saint-James street hasn't lost any of its appeal over the years - quite the contrary! Read more
The Sylvante hill, where you're standing, is an integral part of Valence's history. The last traces of the fortifications that surrounded the city during the Middle Age can be found here. The Sylvante postern, which used to regulate access to the city by means of a portcullis, Read more
On your left, marking the entrance to Saint-Ruf park, stands the 18th-century gate of a former abbey of the same name. It was a huge religious complex of great importance to the town. It replaced an earlier abbey that had been in Valence for several centuries, Read more
You're standing in front of the Saint-Ruf temple in Valence, dedicated to the Protestant faith. Originally, this building was the Saint-James church. Its name, Saint-Ruf, refers to one of the first founders of Avignon's Christian community, and to the congregation founded in his name. Read more
The house in front of you is surprisingly different from the other buildings in town, in both architecture and appearance. Built in 1860, the facade of this large house is inspired by the oriental style that appeared in France in the 1830s. Read more
This Catholic church is located on the highest point of the town and is the heart of Saint Jean's Square. A strategic location that suggests this religious edifice has stood here for centuries, perhaps even as far back as Roman times or the Early Middle Ages. Read more
You are now standing in front of Valence's City Hall, inaugurated in 1894 by the mayor in office at the time, Jean-François Malizard. It enabled municipal assemblies to finally meet in a building dedicated to this purpose. Read more
You now stand in front of the Center for Armenian Heritage, a cultural center opened in 2005 in the former Faculty of Law. It features an exhibition retracing the history of the Armenian genocide, which took place between 1915 and 1916. Read more
We've arrived at Maurice Clerc Boulevard, one of Valence's main streets. Featuring some of the finest houses in Valence, it is animated several times a week by various markets, boutiques and restaurants of all kinds, making it an ideal place for a walk. Read more
Here, blending into the background of the Porte Neuve square, is a bronze statue of a seated man reading a book. It's a life-size statue of Napoleon Bonaparte, as he was back in 1786. The man who was to become Emperor of the French was, at the time, Read more
You're on Victor Hugo Avenue! What makes this street so special are the Art Deco-style houses overlooking the many stores. Take a look, for example, at the entrance to number 11 on your left. Walk a little further to the large building on the left, which holds the Victor Hugo shopping center. Read more
The “Champ de Mars” Square, in the heart of Valence is the city's main plaza. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, as it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Ardèche mountains on the right. It's here, on this large square, that Valence's annual music festival, Read more
This lovely bandstand on the Champ de Mars Square was built in 1890 by Eugène Poitoux, who also designed Valence's monumental fountain. It was inspired by the old bandstand, which had decorated Valence for 30 years. Read more
This is the Jouvet Park, a compound of landscape and formal gardens. The park was created in 1905 thanks to a generous donation from patron Théodore Jouvet, with the aim of providing the Valentinois with a calm, soothing, green place to wander , Read more
Here, you stand in front of two odd statues on the side of the road. They are actually in front of the Art and Archaeology Museum, which is housed in the building in front of you. This museum, whose entrance is further along, facing the cathedral, Read more
This is one of the town's oldest squares: it was mentioned as Clerks' Square as early as the 13th century. But already during the 5th century, it was a very important part of the city, with shops and markets. It was also where executions took place. Read more
Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral was blessed by Pope Urban II in the 11th century, making it one of Valence's oldest monuments. Well, oldest through its plans, since the original 11th-century cathedral was destroyed and ruined during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century. Read more
Découvrez Valence avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
20 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Canyoning for beginners in the Vercors: experience the adventure!
For those looking for a bit of freshness while staying in Valence, head south of town to the Trinitaires park, which runs alongside the Rhône. Formerly the property of the Trinitarian nuns of Valence, it’s a very pleasant place to walk, picnic by the canal or take a short bike ride. If you want to go down the park, you’ll come to the Epervière park, which offers 7 hectares of nature and a pretty marina. Perfect for a quiet moment after your downtown visit !
If you’re staying in the area for a while, I’d recommend a visit to the village of Chabeuil, around 15 km away from the town center. It’s an ancient medieval hillside town, with a rich heritage to discover as you stroll through its ancient streets.
Another village not to be missed in the region is Mirmande. Classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages, it is an impressive hilltop village with well-preserved medieval streets, considered one of the jewels of the Drôme Valley. From the center of Valence, it’s a 40-minute drive.
Closer, and just as historical, you have the opportunity to discover the ruins of the Château de Crussol, straight from the 12th century. It’s a great way to follow the footsteps of knights! The castle overlooks the Rhône Valley and reveals magnificent views of the surroundings, as well as uncovering a part of the region’s history for you. Guided tours are available for those who wish.
To continue your visit of the region, you can also opt to discover Cave Thais, located at the gates of the Vercors. You’ll explore an exceptional underground landscape, accompanied by a guide who will tell you all about the place. We recommend that you book your tickets in advance. On the website, you’ll find combined tickets with a visit to the Petrifying Fountains Garden, a paddleboat cruise or a visit to the Choranche cave. After the cavern, take the opportunity to visit the pretty medieval village of Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans, through which runs an astonishing aqueduct. Please note that the cave is closed during the winter season, so check opening days and times before you visit.
Just a 45-minute drive from Valence, you’ll find the tallest keep in France: the Tour de Crest. At 52 metres high, it offers superb views of the surrounding area, both of the Vercors peaks and the Ardèche mountains. This former fortress, which became a prison and was classified as Cultural Property in 1877, is now open to visitors, allowing them to discover an extraordinary medieval defensive system. Inside, headphones are available to make your visit even more immersive.
In a completely different style, the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval is also a highlight of your visit to the Drôme. Located just North of Valence, around a 50 minute drive away, this monument is a true architectural masterpiece built by a mailman who spent over 30 years building his dream palace. It’s an incredible, highly original structure that never fails to surprise its visitors.
If you’re eager to discover another remarkable palace, head south of Valence, about 1 hour away, where you’ll come across the elegant Castle of Grignan. This beautiful Renaissance palace overlooks the village of the same name. Originally a fortified castle, it was transformed into a majestic palace by the Adhemar family, a wealthy and powerful local family. It displays impressive architecture, and a visit to the building takes you back in time, as well as revealing a superb view of the surrounding area.
While you’re in Valence, take the opportunity to explore Montélimar, the Drôme’s second most populated city. You’ll have the chance to explore its castle, garden, European fighter plane museum and, for those with a sweet tooth, the Palace of Sweets, Nougat and Souvenirs.
Finally, in Valence, you’re at the crossroads of two of France’s greatest regional parks, both equally worth a visit: the Vercors and the Ardèche Mountains. Each located on either side of the city, less than an hour from the center, they are true realms of paradise for those who love hiking and outdoor activities.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
DownloadSoutheastern France has many advantages. In addition to benefiting from beautiful cities with rather warm climates and splendid landscapes, the food is just as delicious. The city of Valence is the perfect example: fruits and vegetables, not to mention seafood, are absolutely delightful! To take the time to enjoy all this, there is nothing better than heading to Calle Burriana. Why? The restaurants there are often highly rated, and the atmosphere is warm. Otherwise, nothing beats the Côte des Chapeliers for the chance to taste a wide and balanced variety of food. More often than not, tables are set outdoors, and in terms of value for money, it is excellent! Are you convinced? In addition to that, the professional service is known for being attentive and thoughtful.
Staying in Valence is easy… when you have the right addresses and the best places to stay. The city boasts many fine sandy beaches, attractive locations, and a pleasant temperature that makes you want to go out and explore the region. That is why any hotel in any district will suit you (we’re sure of it). Establishments are often affordable, offering great value for money, and transportation is available all over the city. We highly recommend Valence’s historic center, known as Ciutat Vella, famous for its lively and cheerful atmosphere. Alternatively, we can also direct you to the Eixample district, which is highly appreciated for its hotels with stunning and original architecture. For a quieter location, head to the establishments west of the city center, in Extramurs.
This Spanish port city on the country’s east coast has a lot to offer in terms of culture, traditions, delicious food, history, and places to visit. But if there is one thing the city excels at, it is its sunny and pleasant climate. You can stroll around freely, and rainy days are quite rare, making Valence an ideal destination for a well-deserved vacation at any time of the year. However (even if it is tempting), it is better to avoid July and August, as there are often too many visitors, tourist spots and beaches are crowded, and accommodation prices tend to rise. The best time is early June. In addition to that, you will have the chance to attend the famous “Festival de les Artes,” a two-day event held at the City of Arts and Sciences. A pleasant moment of sharing and conviviality! Autumn is also a rather quiet season in Valence, where you will be happy to wander the city’s streets and feel like you have them all to yourself.
Valence is one of the Spanish cities with a metro system. In just five short minutes, you can easily reach your destination. There are nine lines that can take you from point A to point B. In addition to being the fastest mode of transport, it is also quite affordable, costing less than 5 euros per trip. The ticket is valid for about thirty minutes. Otherwise, there is also the good old bus—certainly slower than the metro but even cheaper, with a ticket costing only 1.50 euros. Valence has an extensive bus network, and buses run from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM. And finally, why not try cycling? It is eco-friendly and allows you to explore the city thoroughly, reaching places where buses or cars cannot go! If you enjoy spending time in nature or simply dislike the smell of the metro and the bus ride, then you will be happy to roam Valence on two wheels.
Comments