This riverside French town has a medieval center with the 11th-century Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral and overlooks the Rhône. The Crussol Castle ruins sit on nearby hills.
Valence sits on the left bank of the Rhône River in southeastern France, 100 kilometers south of Lyon. Walk through narrow streets to discover the 16th-century Maison des Têtes with its carved stone faces, or step inside the 11th-century Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral with its round arches and medieval pilgrim passages. Stop at local bakeries for orange-blossom Suisse pastries, then head to the Champ de Mars esplanade for views across the Rhône Valley to the snow-capped Alps.
Getting to Valence
The TGV high-speed train connects Valence to Paris in 2 hours 10 minutes. The main TGV station lies 10km from the city center, with regular local trains running between Valence TGV and Valence Ville stations. The city's location, 100km south of Lyon, makes it convenient for exploring the Rhône Valley.
Walking Through the Old Town
The Maison des Têtes, built in 1532, catches your eye with its detailed stone sculptures depicting winds, time, and fortune. Inside Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, built in the 11th century, you can walk through the curved ambulatory where medieval pilgrims once circled the altar. The cathedral's thick stone walls and rounded Romanesque arches create a cool, quiet atmosphere.
Parks and Waterways
In Jouvet Park's 7 hectares, you can follow paths between more than 700 trees or sit by ancient canals that date to Roman times. The park's fountains provide welcome shade in summer. At the Champ de Mars esplanade, 19th-century buildings line the walkway leading to the white Peynet bandstand. Look across the Rhône to spot the stone ruins of Crussol Castle on the opposite hill.
Local Food Culture
The orange-blossom-scented Suisse cookie originated when local bakers created it to honor the Swiss guards who protected Pope Pius VI. Try Ravioles du Dauphiné, small pasta squares filled with local cheese and fresh herbs, in restaurants throughout the city. Four weekly markets sell regional produce and organic foods, with the largest market running on Saturday mornings.
Exploring the Surroundings
The granite peaks of the Vercors Massif rise to the east, while the Ardèche mountains create a western backdrop. Take a wine tour through nearby vineyards to taste Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph wines. L'Épervière marina, the first river port in France, serves as a starting point for boat trips heading south toward the Mediterranean Sea.
