France > France regions > Provence > Drome > Valence

Valence

Valence is an important Rhone-Alps town, and capital of the Drome department.

It will be to the old-town of valence that you will want to go - the region centred around the cathedral of Saint-Apollinaire and the pleasantly calm church of Saint-Jean.

Valence probably won't detain you for long, but there is enough character in the narrow medieval streets, and enough interesting old buildings, to make a visit worthwhile.

The Maison des Tetes (built around 1530) on the main street is among the medieval highlights, with several carved heads decorating the facade. Other highlights you will come across are the Pendentif, the Hotel Dupre Latour, and the Peynet bandstand

For something more modern in Valence (and also attractive) seek out the chateau d'eau in Park Jean Perdrix - the 'water castles of Philaloas' - the two gleaming towers standing 50 metres above the water won an architectural prize for being a very fine example of 1970's architecture. Definitely one of the highlights of a visit to Valence.

The second main park in Valence, Parc Jouvet, has an impressive variety of trees and nice views across the river.

 

Valence: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites

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Places to visit - Valence

Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Valence.

Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Valence are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)

• Mirmande Most beautiful village at 27 km
• Crest hilltop town and tower at 27 km

 

Tourist Classifications for Valence

- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)

 

Information and photos

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