Valenciennes

Valenciennes is a commune in northern France, located in the Nord department in the Hauts-de-France region. It sits on the Scheldt river, near the Belgian border, and is the administrative center of the arrondissement of Valenciennes and of the Valenciennes Métropole intercommunal structure. The city has around 40,000 residents, with a broader metropolitan area of several hundred thousand.

Historically, Valenciennes grew from a medieval settlement into an industrial town, with coal mining and metalworking driving development in the 18th and 19th centuries. It became part of the French state after the 1678 Treaty of Nijmegen. The city suffered extensive damage during World War II and underwent major reconstruction in the postwar period.

Today, Valenciennes has a diversified economy focused on services, education, and industry. It is home to the Université de Valenciennes et du Hainaut-Cambrésis, a campus of higher education in the region, and a network of research and technology centers. The city maintains a cultural profile through institutions such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes and a range of historic and urban heritage sites. It is also known for the historical tradition of Valenciennes lace, a celebrated form of fine thread lace associated with the city.

Transport links connect Valenciennes to Lille, Mons, and Brussels by rail, and the area is served by regional road networks with access to international hubs in Lille and Brussels.