Valence, Drôme facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Valence Valença  (Occitan)
Prefecture and commune
View of the city of Valence
Flag Coat of arms
Valence Location in France Show map of France Valence Location in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Show map of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Country	France
Region	Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Department	Drôme
Arrondissement	Valence
Canton	Valence-1, 2, 3 and 4
Intercommunality	CA Valence Romans Agglo
Area 1	36.69 km2 (14.17 sq mi)
Population  (2021)	64,483
• Density	1,757.51/km2 (4,551.9/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Valentinois
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code	26362 /26000
Elevation	106–191 m (348–627 ft) (avg. 123 m or 404 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Valence is a city in southeastern France. It is the main city of the Drôme area and is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Valence is located on the left side of the Rhône river. It is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Lyon. The city is also on the main railway line from Paris to Marseille.

Valence is the eighth-largest city in its region. In 2018, it had 64,726 people living there. The larger urban area has about 132,556 people. The city is divided into four main areas called cantons.

People often call Valence "the door to the South of France." There's even a local saying: "à Valence le Midi commence" (meaning "at Valence the South begins"). This shows how much the city feels like the south. Valence is located between the Vercors mountains and Provence. Its great location attracts many visitors. Major roads like the A7 and A49 pass through. The RN7 and the TGV high-speed train line also connect here. The Rhône river is important for transport too.

The Valence area has a large boat marina called Port de l'Épervière [fr]. It also has a trading port, two train stations (Valence-Ville and Valence-TGV), and an airport. The city's main businesses are in farming, metalwork, engineering, and electronics.

Valence was founded in 121 BC by the Romans. It quickly became a major crossroads, second only to Lyon. As it grew, Valence became a Roman colony. Over hundreds of years, the town continued to expand. Today, you can see many old buildings from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and later centuries in the city center. Valence is part of the historic Dauphiné region. It is now recognized as one of France's "Towns and Lands of Art and History."

Famous places in Valence include the Maison des Têtes [fr]. This house was built between 1528 and 1532. The Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral was built from 1063 to 1099. There is also a beautiful monumental fountain [fr]. Valence has many {{Interlanguage link multi|List of historic monuments of Valence|fr|3=Liste des monuments historiques de Valence|lt=historical monuments]]. Most of these are in the {{Interlanguage link multi|Vieux Valence|fr|3=Vieux Valence|lt=Old Valence]] area. The city is known for its beautiful flowers and has received the highest "four flowers" label in a national competition.

History of Valence

The people from Valence are called Valentinois. This name also refers to an old area of France. Valence was once the capital of this area. It was part of the old province of Dauphiné.

The name Valence comes from the Latin word valentia. This means "strength" or "capacity." In Roman times, it was called Valentia Julia. It was the capital of the {{Interlanguage link multi|Segovellaunes|fr|3=Segovellaunes|lt=Segalauni]] people. It also had a famous school before the Romans took control. Valence became a Roman colony under Augustus. It was an important town in the 4th century. It might have had a bishop as early as the 300s.

In the 400s, different groups like the Alans and Goths took control of Valence. In 440, the Romans gave land in Valence to the Alans. Three years later, the Burgundians settled in the region. Valence then became part of the Kingdom of the Burgundians. Later, the city was ruled by the Franks, Arabs, and other leaders. Its bishops often fought with the local counts for control. In 1275, the pope joined the bishopric of Valence with that of Die to make it stronger.

The people of Valence sought protection from the dauphin. In 1456, Louis XI confirmed their rights. In the 1500s, Valence became a center for Protestantism. King Francis I fortified the town. A famous university was founded here in the mid-1400s. However, the end of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 greatly harmed the city's businesses and population.

Ancient Valence: Roman Times

The Roman conquest of Gaul made the Rhône Valley a major travel route. Many settlements were founded, including Valentia. This Latin name means "the brave" or "the strong." It was in the land of the Segovellaunes [fr] tribe.

The city of Valença is also known in the Occitan language.

How Valence Was Chosen

The city of Valentia was built on a raised area on the left side of the Rhône river. It was about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of where the Isère river joins the Rhône. This spot was chosen because many travel routes crossed here.

• Valentia was a key point for trade going north and south along the Rhône. It was also on the Via Agrippa road.
• It was also important for east-west travel. Different paths from the Isère and Drôme valleys met at the city. People crossed the Rhône at Valence by ferry, by walking through shallow water, or over a bridge.

The Old Roman City

Valence, like many Roman cities, had a planned layout with straight streets. We know about the main east-west street (the decumanus) from old pavements and sewers found near the city hall. The main north-south street (the cardo) was the Via Agrippa. It went straight through the city.

Along the Via Agrippa, there was likely a forum. This was a public square, probably surrounded by important buildings like a civil basilica (a public hall), a curia (council house), and a temple.

South of where the forum was, ruins of thermae (public baths) were found. Valence got its water from many nearby springs. The city still has many streams and canals today.

Around the current cathedral, pieces of a large temple were found.

The city also had places for entertainment:

• A circus (for chariot races).
• An amphitheatre (for gladiator fights and other shows).
• A theater and an odeon (for music and performances).

The city was surrounded by walls very early in the Roman Empire. These were built between 15 BC and 15 AD. In 1869, a large gate with two towers was found. Its front was decorated with military trophies.

Houses were built outside the city walls. Many tombs were also found outside the city, along the roads.

Valence in Later Roman Times

In the first centuries AD, Valence became an important road hub. Even in the late Roman Empire, it kept its special position.

However, from the 300s, Valentia faced many attacks. But the city inside its walls remained grand. The Visigoths took Valence in 413 AD. The Burgundians controlled the Rhône area in the late 400s. Then, the people of Valence became part of the Frankish Kingdom in 533 AD. These invasions caused many Roman traces to disappear.

During this difficult time, the city made its old walls stronger. Roman gates were blocked up, changing the city's layout. People from the countryside moved to small hills, creating many new villages.

Middle Ages in Valence

Around 800 AD, a new Cathedral of Saint-Estève (St. Stephen) was built. It held many holy items. The bishop's area also had homes for priests and a round church. In 890, Louis III was crowned King of Provence in Valence.

In 1029, the Archbishop of Vienne took control of the County of Viennois. This area was held by the Counts of Albon for many years. The region also suffered attacks from the Saracens in the late 800s and 900s.

The Rhône river was sometimes the border between France and the Holy Roman Empire. Valence was part of the Empire until the 1400s. The river was also a key trade route, especially for salt. This helped the city grow. Valence was a difficult place to travel up the Rhône. This meant boats often had to stop there. Many people in Valence specialized in helping boat haulers.

The city was safe from floods and protected by its walls. It was a stop for pilgrims traveling to Compostela. Religious life was strong. The Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral and the Abbey of Saint-Ruf were built. Two powerful figures, the Bishop and the Count of Valentinois, competed for control of the city.

The economy grew, and new towns developed, especially near the Rhône. These included the "Basse-Ville" (Lower Town) and Bourg-Saint-Pierre. Other areas outside the walls grew around religious buildings.

After the County of Valentinois became part of the Dauphiné province, the dauphin took control. In 1419, the County of Valentinois was sold to Charles, the future King of France. It became part of the French Crown in 1424.

The late 1400s and early 1500s were a great time for Valence. The Maison des Têtes [fr] and the Pendentif de Valence [fr] were built. The University of Valence was founded on July 26, 1452, by the dauphin Louis (who became Louis XI). It quickly became famous with professors teaching law, theology, medicine, and arts.

This good period ended suddenly in 1562. Protestant troops led by the Baron des Adrets occupied the city. All religious buildings in Valence were partly or completely destroyed.

Early Modern Era in Valence

François Rabelais, a famous writer, studied in Valence in 1532.

Valence was a key military location in the Rhône Valley. In the 1700s, it had 7,100 people. They had to house soldiers. To help with this, a barracks was built in 1714. Later, a new, larger barracks was built.

King Charles IX visited Valence during his grand tour of France (1564–1566).

In May 1755, the famous smuggler Louis Mandrin was executed in Valence. He had challenged the tax system and shared his stolen money. His death on the breaking wheel in the Place des Clercs [fr] marked the end of his actions but the start of a legend.

Napoleon Bonaparte was stationed in Valence from 1785 to 1786 as an artillery officer. He visited the city many times later. He even offered gifts to his old landlady when he returned from Egypt in 1799.

Valence During the French Revolution

After the Estates-General met, people became restless. News of the storming of the Bastille reached the region around July 20, 1789. This caused both hope and fear of a plot by the rich. The "Great Fear" spread quickly, making villages prepare to defend themselves. National guards were formed, including in Valence. Local groups also formed to help each other. Valence invited nearby communities on January 31, 1790, bringing together 16,000 guards from 293 towns.

The university closed in 1792. It reopened later and is now part of the Community Grenoble Alpes University.

Valence played a role in the final years of the French Revolution. On August 29, 1799, Pope Pius VI died here while in exile from the Vatican. His body was returned to the Vatican on December 24, 1801, after more than two years.

Valence in the 20th Century

Armenian Community in Valence

After the Armenian genocide in 1915, many Armenians found safety in France in the 1920s. Valence employers went to Marseille to hire 150 of the first arrivals in 1922. By 1926, 827 Armenians lived in Valence. By 1931, there were 1,670. They came from places like Bursa and Malatya. While employers liked them, the local people of Valence were sometimes wary.

Many Armenians were young adults. Children and the elderly suffered most from the genocide and exile. They mostly worked as laborers or started small businesses. An "Armenian quarter" quickly grew between Boulevard Vauban and Boulevard d'Alsace. About 40% of the people there were Armenian. The old town, with its empty and cheap buildings, became part of this area.

In 1956, about 2,500 Armenians lived in Valence. This was 6% of the city's population. It was the fourth-largest Armenian community in France. The community had a strong identity with newspapers, cinemas, and sports clubs. They also integrated quickly. In 1946, half of the 2,000 Armenians in Valence chose to become French citizens.

In 1947, 200 Armenians from Valence returned to Soviet countries, but this did not work out well. The community welcomed new refugees from Syria in the 1950s and 60s, and from Lebanon in the 1970s and 80s. As of 1997, 7,500 people in Valence were part of this community. This makes it one of the largest in France. The Armenian National Union is also based in Valence.

This strong presence is seen in street names. Rue d’Arménie and Place Missak Manouchian are examples. The community's cultural life is very active, with 28 groups. These include the Evangelical Church and the House of Armenian Culture.

Valence During World War II

After Germany invaded Poland in 1939, France and the United Kingdom declared war. Germany invaded France in May 1940.

During World War II, Valence was bombed by the Allied forces. These attacks aimed to destroy the bridge over the Rhône. On August 15, 1944, bombs destroyed many parts of the city. The hospital was hit, and 280 people died. Only the gate of the prefecture building remained. Four days later, on August 19, 1944, a German train carrying explosives blew up. This destroyed a large part of the La Palla area. It caused 335 deaths among civilians, soldiers, and resistance fighters.

The northern part of Valence was almost completely destroyed. It was rebuilt, and now has many government buildings.

Drôme was a department where the Resistance was very active. In 1943, the Resistance grew stronger. Many young men refused to work in Germany and hid in the countryside or joined the Maquis (Resistance groups). The people of Drôme supported the Resistance more and more.

Geography of Valence

Where is Valence Located?

Valence is a key point for travel between Paris and the Mediterranean Sea. It is in the middle of the Rhône Valley. The city is at the mouth of the Isère Valley, which leads to the Alps. It is in the west of the historic Dauphiné province. Valence is also on the border of the Ardèche area, separated by the Rhône river.

The city is surrounded by mountains. To the west are the Massif Central and Ardèche hills. To the east is the Vercors Massif in the French Prealps. Valence is 561 kilometers (349 miles) southeast of Paris. It is 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Lyon and southwest of Grenoble. It is also 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Avignon and 220 kilometers (137 miles) north of Marseille.

Valence is just south of the 45th parallel. This is why it is often called the "gateway to Southern France." People from the north say, "À Valence le Midi commence" (At Valence the South begins).

The city area is built on four levels of land near the Rhône river:

• The lowest level, closest to the river, where fishermen and sailors lived.
• The middle level, safe from floods, where the historic city grew.
• The third level, which became very built up in the late 1900s.
• The highest level, called the Lautagne plateau, which has become a center for technology.

Valence is the main city of the Drôme department. It is also the capital of four cantons. The city is part of the Communauté d'agglomération Valence Romans Agglo. This group includes 56 towns and villages. Valence is the largest city in this group.

Neighboring Towns

		Valence

Land and Geology

The area of Valence is 36.69 square kilometers (14.17 square miles). Its height above sea level ranges from 106 to 191 meters (348 to 627 feet).

The land in Valence is made of layers of rock and soil. Over time, rivers like the Isère and Rhône have shaped the area. They created four levels of land, or terraces, that Valence is built on.

Rivers and Waterways

Valence is on the left bank of the Rhône river. A small river called the {{Interlanguage link multi|Épervière (rivière)|fr|3=Épervière (rivière)|lt=Épervière]], which is 2.6 kilometers (1.6 miles) long, also flows through the city. It is formed by many of the city's canals.

Valence Plain

The city gives its name to a region called the Valentinois. Most of this region is the Valence plain. This plain was formed by the Rhône river, which left behind rich soil. It looks like a happy orchard with peach, apricot, and cherry trees. These are mixed with fields of grain and vegetables. Large farms are scattered across this farming area. Rivers and canals are used for irrigation.

To the east, the Monts du Matin are pleasant hills. Beyond them is the Vercors mountain range. To the south, the plain ends at the foot of a forest. Wind turbines are on top of the Marsanne forest.

From the ruins of the Château de Crussol, you can see the Valence plain clearly. It is a large flat area bordered by two mountain ranges. The different levels of land create variety in the landscape.

Today, the Valence plain is centered around the city's buildings. The city is slowly spreading across the area. However, many towns still keep their village feel and rural character. These are old farming villages, especially those near the Vercors mountains. Their names often mean "mount" or "hill," showing their original high locations. Examples include Montélier, Montvendre, and Beaumont-lès-Valence.

Climate in Valence

Valence has a climate that is warm and humid. A strong wind blows almost constantly through the Rhône valley. When it comes from the north, it's called the "mistral." It brings clear skies and cool air in summer. But in winter, it makes it feel very cold. When the wind comes from the south, it often brings storms. People sometimes call it le vent du midi (the midi wind) or le vent des fous (the uncaring wind). Some people find it hard to bear, especially in summer.

The climate is also influenced by the Mediterranean. The average temperature from 1966 to 2004 was 12.3°C (54.1°F). The city gets about 2,500 hours of sunshine per year. However, the weather can change a lot from year to year.

The regular wind in the Rhône Valley helped boats travel on the Rhône river from Valence.

Plants and Trees in Valence

The plants in Valence are a mix of central European and Mediterranean types. You can find oak trees and hornbeam thickets. There are also plants that like warmer weather, like downy oak and evergreen oaks. In the south of the Drôme Valley, you can see thyme, lavender, and Aleppo pines.

In the past, olive trees were grown on the sunny hills. But they were replaced by grapevines. Now, many peach, apricot, and cherry trees are grown here. However, many fruit trees have been lost since 2003 due to plant diseases.

Transportation in Valence

Valence has a central train station called Gare de Valence-Ville. It connects to Lyon, Grenoble, Avignon, and other regional places. In 2001, the Gare de Valence TGV opened. This station is for high-speed trains (TGV). It is 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of the city center. A trip to Paris from here takes only 2 hours and 11 minutes.

A bike-sharing program called Libélo started in 2010. It offers 200 bikes for long-term rental and 180 for short-term use. There are 18 locations around the city. You can pay with a smart card or credit card.

Roads and Highways

Valence is a key city for roads. It is in the middle of the Rhône Valley. Many vacationers heading to the French Riviera pass through Valence. The A7 autoroute (also called the "motorway of the sun") connects Valence to Lyon (100 km/62 mi north). It also connects to Avignon (120 km/75 mi south) and Marseille (220 km/137 mi south). The A49 autoroute connects Valence to Grenoble (95 km/59 mi northeast).

Underground A7 Project

The A7 autoroute runs along the Rhône river, cutting through Valence. There is a plan to bury part of the highway underground for about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles). This project would make the Rhône riverbanks available to Valence again. The project is not expected to be finished before 2025. It is estimated to cost €500 million.

Valence Ring Road

The Valence ring road includes the A7 autoroute, Route nationale 7, and the Route nationale 532 [fr]. It is part of European routes E15 and E713.

This ring road is about 22 kilometers (14 miles) long. It goes from Bourg-lès-Valence in the north to the Fontlozier area in the south. It helps traffic bypass most of the city. It also provides easy access to the Valence TGV station.

There are plans to complete the ring road by building a western bypass on the right bank of the Rhône. This would include a second bridge over the Rhône. A third bridge is also planned in the north of the city.

Bridges of Valence

It is likely that a bridge existed in Valence during ancient times. However, it was not replaced until the 1800s.

The bridges of Valence, in order, are:

• The Seguin Bridge: Built from 1827 to 1830.
• The stone bridge: Built in 1905, but destroyed in 1940 by French engineers to slow German troops. A temporary bridge was then installed. This bridge was damaged again in 1944 by Allied bombing.
• A temporary suspended walkway: Used from 1949 to 1967.
• The Frédéric Mistral Bridge: Finished in 1967 and still in use. It connects Guilherand-Granges (Ardèche) to Valence.
• The Lônes [fr] Bridge: Opened in 2004. It is the "second bridge" of Valence. It helps ease traffic between the two sides of the Rhône.

When no bridge was available, a ferry could cross the Rhône river.

Public Transport

Valence has a bus network called Citéa. It covers the Valence area and the Romans-sur-Isère area. The network has 20 regular lines and over 200 bus stops. It uses 220 buses.

The Oura! card [fr] is a smartcard for transport. You can use it to pay for bus tickets on the Citéa network. You can also use it for other transport in the region, like regional trains.

Train Stations in Valence

Valence has two SNCF train stations.

Valence-Ville Station

The Valence-Ville station opened in 1865. Since the gare de Valence TGV opened in 2001, Valence-Ville mainly handles regional trains. These trains go to Grenoble, Chambéry, Annecy, and Geneva. The station building was designed by Louis-Jules Bouchot, an architect for Napoleon III. Its main front looks like the Petit Trianon at Versailles. It has been a historic monument since 1982.

Valence TGV Station

The Valence TGV station is on the high-speed train line from Lyon to Marseille. It is 11 kilometers (7 miles) northeast of the city center. Before it opened in 2001, TGV trains stopped at Valence-Ville. Now, trains can reach Paris in 2 hours and 11 minutes. The Valence TGV station connects to 35 cities. These include Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Brussels. In 2008, 58 TGVs served the station daily, carrying 2.2 million passengers.

River Ports

The Port de l'Épervière [fr] has 478 boat spots. It is the largest river port in France. It was built in 1973 and is part of a 17-hectare (42-acre) leisure park. It has received the blue flag award for its quality services.

The river port of trade [fr] (also called Port of Valence) was created in 1978. It is located in Portes-lès-Valence, just south of Valence. It covers 41 hectares (101 acres). It has warehouses, a grain terminal, and storage sheds. Its location on the Rhône helps it serve countries around the Mediterranean Basin and the Middle East.

Airport Information

Nearby airports

Name	Destinations	Distance
Valence-Chabeuil	France	5 km
Grenoble-Isère	Europe	80 km
Lyon-Saint-Exupéry	Europe, Africa, North America	114 km

Valence-Chabeuil Airport is 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Valence. It is used for national commercial flights and private planes. It no longer has regular flights to Paris. The airport has three runways.

Grenoble-Isère Airport is 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Valence. It offers flights to several European cities. Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport is 114 kilometers (71 miles) north of Valence. It offers international flights. It is one of the busiest airports in France.

Bike Sharing in Valence

Since March 28, 2010, Valence has a bike-sharing system called Libélo. It has 160 bikes at 18 to 20 stations. It also offers 200 bikes for long-term rental. These bikes are available in Valence, Guilherand-Granges, and Bourg-lès-Valence.

Unlike most bike-sharing systems, Libélo is managed by the local transport company. It works with the Citéa bus network.

City Layout and Planning

How Valence is Built

The old city center of Valence is based on a Roman plan. It has a grid of streets. The streets in the old town still follow the ancient Roman layout.

The city has expanded eastward onto higher land. To the south, the Lautagne plateau has limited the city's growth. In the late 1900s, the A7 autoroute separated the city from the Rhône river. Port areas are located to the south. The Valence urban area also extends across the Rhône into the Ardèche region.

To help the city grow to the east, a large expressway (RN7) was built. The Valence-Chabeuil Airport has been operating there since 1969.

City Quarters

Valence has about twenty different quarters (neighborhoods). Each quarter has about 3,500 people. The northern quarters are mostly residential (like Polygone and Fontbarlettes). Some are even rural (like Thodure). The southern quarters are generally home to middle-class families and retired people (like Fontlozier [fr] and Lautagne). However, Valensolles is a working-class area. The central quarters are busy with shops and tourists (like Centre-ville and Vieux Valence [fr]). The eastern quarters are mostly residential (like Baquet and Châteauvert).

Some quarters have a "Quarter Committee." These groups help residents share information with the city. They also let people help plan projects for their neighborhoods.

To make services easier, Valence has five city hall branches in different quarters. These branches handle some administrative tasks.

Housing in Valence

In 2009, Valence had 34,661 homes. Most of these (88.4%) were primary residences. Only 1.0% were secondary homes, and 10.6% were empty. About 24.1% of homes were detached houses, and 74.7% were apartments.

About 43.1% of people owned their homes in 2009. This was a small increase from 1999. The number of social housing units (affordable rented homes) was 16.5%.

Several organizations manage social housing in Valence. They build, maintain, and manage these homes. Most social housing is in working-class quarters. Funding comes from the city, the Drôme department, the region, and the state.

Future Development Projects

Valence has big plans for its future. These projects focus on different parts of the city.

One major project is to reclaim the riverbanks. The A7 autoroute currently blocks access to the Rhône for 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles). The city wants to bury the highway in semi-covered trenches. This would make the riverbanks available for public use. This project could cost around €500 million.

Other projects include creating a 24-kilometer (15-mile) green route along the riverbanks. This would pass through Valence and Bourg-lès-Valence. The city also plans to renovate the tourist facilities at the l'Épervière [fr]. The Îles quarter might become an ecodistrict with energy-efficient homes.

A new quarter is planned in the south of the city. It will have 200 homes, shops, and a hotel.

Another big project is to improve the Hauts-de-Valence area. This is a €117 million urban renewal program. It includes tearing down 417 houses in working-class areas and rebuilding them. The project also aims to connect these areas better to the rest of the city.

Finally, a large sports and culture city is planned. It will be built on old military land. It will include a new swimming pool, an exhibition hall, a media center, and a higher education center. The renovated buildings will house student dorms and schools. The city is also studying building a new convention center in the area.

Population of Valence

Demographics

The people of Valence are called Valentinois in French. In 2018, the city had 64,726 residents. Its larger urban area had 132,556 people. The wider metropolitan area had 254,254 people.

Historical population
Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1793 6,633 —     1800 7,532 +1.83% 1806 8,212 +1.45% 1821 9,805 +1.19% 1831 10,406 +0.60% 1836 10,967 +1.06% 1841 13,407 +4.10% 1846 13,901 +0.73% 1851 16,122 +3.01% 1856 16,875 +0.92% 1861 18,711 +2.09% 1866 20,142 +1.48%	Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1872 20,668 +0.43% 1876 23,220 +2.95% 1881 24,502 +1.08% 1886 24,761 +0.21% 1891 25,283 +0.42% 1896 26,212 +0.72% 1901 26,946 +0.55% 1906 28,112 +0.85% 1911 28,706 +0.42% 1921 28,654 −0.02% 1926 30,964 +1.56% 1931 34,275 +2.05%	Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1936 36,582 +1.31% 1946 40,020 +0.90% 1954 41,470 +0.45% 1962 52,532 +3.00% 1968 62,358 +2.90% 1975 68,604 +1.37% 1982 66,356 −0.47% 1990 63,437 −0.56% 1999 64,260 +0.14% 2007 64,803 +0.11% 2012 62,481 −0.73% 2017 63,714 +0.39%
From 1962 to 1999: Population without double counting; for the years following: municipal population. Source: Ldh/EHESS/Cassini until 1999 then INSEE

Society and Culture

Religions and Groups

Valence has two Catholic parishes. They are part of the Diocese of Valence.

The Jewish community has a synagogue in Valence.

The Armenian community, which is over 10% of the population, has its own church, Saint Sahag (Isaac). In 2017, they started building an Armenian-language school.

Protestants also have places of worship in Valence. These include the Reformed Church of France and the Evangelical Protestant Church. The Salvation Army also has a presence.

Cultural Events and Festivals

• Valence fête le printemps (Valence spring festival): Celebrates farm products.
• Boulevards de chines (Boulevard of china): Flea markets and antique sales.
• Festival de Valence (Festival of Valence): Free concerts in the city.
• Les Féeries d'Hiver (Winter extravaganza): Shows and fireworks.

Education in Valence

Schools

Valence has many schools for different age groups:

• 10 middle schools (collèges), such as Paul-Valery and Camille-Vernet.
• 4 high schools (lycées) for general studies. These include Camille-Vernet (with options for cinema, art, music, Russian) and Émile Loubet (with options for theater, dance, Chinese).
• 6 vocational high schools.
• 1 technical training high school.
• Other specialized high schools.

Higher Education

Valence is growing as a center for higher education in the Drôme/Ardèche area. The Valence campus is part of the Community Grenoble Alpes University. This includes science, technology, health, and language studies. Valence is also home to the INPG engineering school (ESISAR).

Many other specialized schools are also in Valence:

• Regional school of fine arts
• School of management and commerce
• Institute for hospital nursing education
• La Poudrière – Animation film school

Sports in Valence

• Basketball: Valence Bourg Basket is a club founded in 2011.
• Cycling: Valence was a finish city for a stage of the 1996 Tour de France. It will also be a finish for Stage 15 of the 2015 Tour de France.
• American football: The Sharks de Valence [fr] team was created in 2002. They play in France's Division 3 Championship.
• Football: Association Sportive de Valence (ASV) plays in the CFA league.
• Golf: The Golf Club de Valence is in Charpey, east of the city. It has an 18-hole course. The Golf des Chanalets in Bourg-lès-Valence also has an 18-hole course.
• Handball: Valence Handball [fr] plays in Division 2 of the French Championship.
• Ice hockey: The Lynx of Valence [fr] team was founded in 1976. They play in Division 2.
• Judo: The CSF Judo Valence club was started in 1950.
• Roller in-line hockey: Valence Roller Hockey has a team in the France N2 Championship.
• Rugby union: Valence is home to ROC La Voulte-Valence. They play in the third division of French rugby.
• Squash: The Squash Club de Valence has a team that plays in the national championship.
• The Georges Pompidou Stadium is Valence's main stadium. It can hold 14,380 people. It is also used for athletics.
• Triathlon: Valence Triathlon has both men's and women's teams.
• Ken Shin Kan: A Japanese sword school that teaches naginata, iaido, and kendo.
• Valence ACE volleyball Club: Offers training for youth and adults.

Economy of Valence

Valence is a key point for major European routes. It is a gateway to the Alps and a link to Italy and Switzerland. The Valence area has grown with innovative companies. It offers higher education and centers of excellence. The economy benefits from being close to cities like Lyon and Geneva.

Valence's economy also relies on its rich farming area. It has high-tech companies in electronics and aerospace. Many small and medium-sized businesses are innovative. The city also has important animation studios known worldwide.

Valence has excellent transport links. These include a railway yard, the port of trade [fr], and access to the A7 and A49 motorways.

The Chamber of commerce and industry of the Drôme is based in Valence. It manages the Port de l'Épervière [fr], the Template:Interlanguage link link multi, and Valence-Chabeuil Airport.

In 2005, most jobs in Valence were in services (76.5%). Industry made up 17.8%, and construction 4.8%. Agriculture was only 0.9%.

Key industries in Valence include:

• Food processing (fruits, vegetables, wines)
• Metalwork
• Mechanical engineering
• Electronics and automation

Large tech companies like Thales (electronics for aviation and defense) and Crouzet (automatic systems) are located here.

The Maison Pic is a world-famous restaurant and hotel. It has three Michelin stars.

Economic Activity Zones

• The Couleures commercial area has about eighty stores for home goods, sports, and personal items.
• The Briffaut sectors in east Valence have 320 companies.
• The technoparks include one hundred companies.
• The Lautagne plateau in the south has 40 high-tech companies.
• The Auréats zone is the oldest industrial site in Valence, with 180 companies.
• The Cime activity center has 86 service businesses.

Businesses and Shops

At the end of 2015, Valence had 8,183 businesses. Most (71%) were in trade and services. Public administration (schools, health) made up 16%. Industry was only 4%. About 92% of businesses had fewer than 10 employees.

Income and Taxes

In 2009, the average net income was €19,609. Only 46% of households paid taxes that year.

Taxes in Valence in 2010

Tax	City Tax	Inter-city Tax	Department Tax	Regional Tax
Housing Tax [fr] (TH)	17.55%	0.00%	7.80%	0.00%
Land tax on built properties (TFPB)	25.17%	0.00%	11.57%	2.12%
Land tax on unbuilt properties (TFPNB)	49.21%	0.00%	42.44%	5.28%
Property contribution of businesses [fr] (ex-TP)	0.00%*	24.27%	0.00%	0.00%

Employment in Valence

In 2017, 45,489 people had jobs in Valence. Most (90.5%) were salaried employees. The unemployment rate in the city was 18.2%.

Jobs by Industry

Job Category	Number of Jobs
Agriculture	228
Industry	4,810
Construction	2,262
Trade, transport, services	21,281
Public administration, education, health	16,229

Local Culture and Heritage

Famous Places and Buildings

Many buildings in Valence are protected as historical monuments. A lot of these are in the Vieux Valence [fr] quarter.

Old Valence (Vieux Valence)

Vieux Valence (Old Valence) is a historic part of the city. It is mainly around the Place des Clercs [fr]. In the 1800s, the city's old walls were replaced by wide streets. Valence then grew around its ancient center. In this area, you can find:

Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral is a Romanesque cathedral built in the 11th century. It is the oldest building in the city. It was damaged during the French Wars of Religion but was restored in the early 1600s. The church holds the monument of Pope Pius VI, who died in Valence in 1799.

The Maison des Têtes [fr] (House of Heads) was built between 1528 and 1532. Its Renaissance front has carved heads representing things like winds and fortune. It is called the "House of Heads" because of these carvings. The building has been a historical monument since 1944.

The Museum of Fine Arts of Valence [fr] is the only museum of its kind in Drôme. It has paintings, drawings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 16th to 20th centuries. The museum was expanded in 2013 and now has 35 rooms over five floors.

The Pendentif de Valence [fr] is a Renaissance-style building. It was likely a tomb built in 1548. After the French Revolution, it became a drinking place. The city bought it around 1830. It was one of the first monuments listed as a national historical monument.

The Maison du Drapier is a 13th-century house. It still looks medieval despite later repairs. It probably belonged to a rich cloth merchant.

The Maison de la Pra is a 15th-century mansion. It belonged to Claude Frère, a wealthy merchant.

The Maison Dupré-Latour [fr], from the 16th century, has a special staircase tower. It was built by the Genas family, who got rich from salt trade. It became a historical monument in 1927.

The Mauresque à Ferlin is a Moorish-style house built in 1858. It has an oriental design.

The Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste [fr] (11th and 12th centuries) is at the highest point of the city. It is one of the first Christian worship places in Valence.

The temple of the Abbaye Saint-Ruf [fr] was once a chapel. The Abbey of Saint-Ruf moved its main center to Valence.

The église Notre-Dame (Church of Our Lady) was built in the mid-1800s.

The Italian theater dates back to 1837. It was built between 1886 and 1887. The ceiling is painted to look like a dome. It shows four types of theater: drama, comedy, opera, and vaudeville. The theater was renovated in the 1990s. It has 390 seats.

The city hall is on the Place de la Liberté. It opened in 1894. It has a belfry, which is a tall tower. This tower symbolizes the city's independence from the church.

The Armenian heritage center [fr] tells the story of migration and different cultures. Valence has one of the largest Armenian communities in France.

The ancienne préfecture (old prefecture building) is near Place Saint-Jean. Only its grand entrance gate remains. The rest was destroyed in a bombing during World War II in 1944.

The Place des Clercs [fr] has colorful buildings. It became important in the 5th century when the bishop's area was created. Shops and markets were held here.

The "côtes" are picturesque paths up the old town's hills. They have traces of old walls. These paths were used in medieval times by people going to the upper town.

Around the City

The "Boulevards de Valence" are wide, tree-lined streets. They were built where the old city walls used to be. They were renovated from 2004 to 2009.

The bandstand on the Champ de Mars [fr] was built in 1860. The artist Raymond Peynet used it as inspiration for his famous "lovers" drawings. It is now called the Peynet kiosk [fr] and is a historical monument.

The monumental fountain [fr] was designed in 1887. It is in the city center. In 2005, it was renovated and moved slightly.

Jouvet Park [fr] is a 7-hectare (17-acre) public garden. It was created in 1905. It has over 700 different types of trees. The park also has a pet shop, a small train, and a rose garden.

The Valence-Ville station's front was inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. It is a historical monument.

The Champ de Mars [fr] esplanade was once a parking lot. Now it is a wide, tree-lined open space. From here, you can see the Château de Crussol across the Rhône.

The Philolaus water tower was built between 1969 and 1971. It is in Jean-Perdrix Park [fr]. It has two twisted towers, 52 and 57 meters (171 and 187 feet) high. It is a mix of art and function. It received an award for urban art in 1981.

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  Statue of Championnet on the Champ de Mars [fr]

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  The Maison du Drapier [fr]

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  A "côte" of Valence, on leaving the place de la Pierre (Basse ville)

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  The côte Saint-Martin. In the distance, the ruins of the Château de Crussol (Ardèche)

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  Stairs of the côte Saint-Martin

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  The Sylvante gate

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  The top of the côte Sylvante.

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  Côte Saint-Estève under the cathedral

The Valence Canals

Valence has a unique system of canals. They have been part of the city since Roman times. The name Valence might even come from Celtic words meaning "water-rich inhabited place." In the past, these canals were used for fishing, irrigation, washing, and powering mills. Today, they are popular places for walks.

The canals start in the eastern parts of Valence. They have a total length of 17 kilometers (11 miles). In the 13th century, monasteries controlled the canals and decided where mills could be built.

Water from the canals was used for irrigation, drinking, and washing. It was also a valuable energy source for the economy. The main canals (Charran, Thon, Moulins, and Malcontents) cross the city from east to west. They then join to form the Canal de l'Épervière [fr], which flows into the Rhône. In the 19th century, the canals became less important and were sometimes hidden by new buildings and roads.

In recent years, the city has been developing paths along the canals. These "green routes" are great for walking. The canals still water many gardens.

Parks and Green Spaces

The Champ de Mars [fr] esplanade is a large, 3-hectare (7.4-acre) walk. It is planted with lime trees. The Peynet kiosk [fr] is in its center.

Below this esplanade is the Jouvet Park [fr]. It is named after Théodore Jouvet, who donated the land. This park has streams and statues. It also has a war memorial and a statue of General Jean Étienne Championnet.

Jean-Perdrix Park [fr] is the largest park in Valence, covering 26 hectares (64 acres). It has many trees, including 400 cedars. The park offers a fitness trail, playgrounds, and a large pond. The two futuristic water towers built by Philolaus are reflected in the water.

Saint-Ruf Park is in Vieux Valence. It offers views of Ardèche and the ruins of Crussol. It connects the historic center to the old town.

Marcel-Paul Park [fr] is a 3.7-hectare (9.1-acre) landscaped park. It has lawns, a children's playground, and a bowling area.

The Recreation Park of l'Épervière has a marina and a 32,000-square-meter (344,445 sq ft) body of water. It also has restaurants, a campsite, a hotel, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.

Valence has a total of 230 hectares (568 acres) of public green areas. The city has been awarded "4 flowers" for its beautiful flowery displays.

Local Food

• The Suisse [fr] is a special biscuit from Valence. It is shaped like a man and flavored with orange blossom. It also has ground almonds and candied orange peel. The biscuit's name and shape come from the uniform of the Swiss Guards of Pope Pope Pius VI, who died in Valence. People traditionally eat the Suisse during Easter.
• The Dragée de Valence is a candy made of praline or chocolate covered in sugar. It is often used for special events like baptisms and weddings.
• Fruits common in the Valence region include peaches, apples, pears, apricots, figs, and many red fruits like cherries and raspberries.
• The chef Anne-Sophie Pic has a restaurant, Maison Pic, with three Michelin stars. She is the first female chef to achieve this. Her family has run the restaurant since 1889.
• Baptiste Poinot, chef of Flavours, also has a Michelin star.
• Masashi Ijishi, chef of La Cachette, has one Michelin star.

Military Presence

Since 1773, Valence has been home to many military units. The 1st Spahi Regiment has been stationed at the Bacquet Quarter barracks since 1984.

Sister Cities

Valence is connected with these cities:

Valence also has a friendship agreement with:

• Stepanakert, Republic of Artsakh (2015)

Famous People from Valence

Images for kids

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  The Maison Dupré-Latour [fr]

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  Kiosque Peynet [fr] on the Champ de Mars

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  Bell tower of the Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral

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  Gate of the former prefecture

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  View of the Château de Crussol from the esplanade of the Champ de Mars [fr]

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  Côte des Chapeliers, home of the Marquis of Veynes.

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  Côte des Chapeliers

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  Port de l'Épervière [fr]

See also

In Spanish: Valence (Francia) para niños