Valence is a sunny city in the Drôme region, located between Avignon and Lyons. Known to the Romans as Valentia (vigourous city), the town was founded in 121 BC. Home to one of France's first university's, the city became known for its military Artillery School in the 18th century, and claimed Napoleon Bonaparte amongst its alumni. Valence has a strong Armenian heritage, as it welcomed refugees from the Armenian genocide in 1918-21. The town's Armenian Heritage Centre offers insight into the story of the Armenian migration to France.
Valence has a number of historical civic and religious buildings, as well as ornamental fountains, murals and museums. The 16th century Cathédrale St-Apollinaire is an example of the city's Romanesque architecture. Its 19th century belfry can be seen from most vantage points throughout the city. Parc Jouvet, is a seven hectare expanse of sculpture gardens, grassy areas, fountains and over 700 trees. Located between the Rhône and the town centre, it is a green space at the heart of the city. Another outdoor public space, the Champs de Mars, located in the centre of Valence, is a wide, open green space with fountains and a bandstand. The vast lawns of the promenade are an excellent place to relax in the sun, and offer a view of the Crussol Castle.
Valence is home to a number of local specialties, including a little shortbread man called Le Suisse. Strolling around town, you will see the little biscuit in the window of many bakeries. It is said to be a tribute to the Vatican Swiss Guard, and first produced in the town in 1799, when Pope Pie VI died in Valence. The city is also home to Valrhôna chocolate, in Tain l'Hermitage, a specialty chocolate that is famous for its quality. There are fruit and vegetable markets held in Valence, every day of the week in the city's plazas, including Place de l'Europe and Place des Clercs. The city also offers specialty produce markets, flea markets and larger, annual fairs.
As Valence is located at the gateway to the Vercors Mountains, there are a number of outdoor activities on offer in the city and its surroundings. There are walking tours of the city's canals, as wells as opportunities for maritime activities at the l'Epervière pleasure port on the Rhône.
