Hotel in Valenciennes city center: our car-free weekend
Valenciennes is very easy to explore without a car. Arrive by train, drop off your luggage just 2 minutes from the station, and the entire historic center is within walking distance. Here's how to plan a simple weekend getaway from the Clémenceau Hotel, with great places to eat and the best times to visit.
How to get to Valenciennes by train?
Valenciennes train station is served by the TER Hauts-de-France regional train and the TGV high-speed train. According to the tourist office, Paris is 1 hour and 50 minutes away by TGV, direct or via Lille, and Lille is 35 minutes away by TER.
Station schedules and services are available on the SNCF Valenciennes train station page. Upon exiting the station, it's a 2-minute walk to 39 rue du Rempart.
Are you arriving in the morning, before the 3:30 pm arrival time?
The hotel's luggage storage will keep your suitcases safe, allowing you to explore hands-free. The same applies on Sundays after your departure, which is scheduled for 11:00 AM. Still coming by car? According to the tourist office, Lille is 40 minutes away via the A23, Brussels 1 hour via the E42, and Paris 2 hours via the A2. The hotel offers a secure parking for €10 per night, upon reservation.What can you do in Valenciennes this weekend?
The historic center contains the essentials, just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. The Place d'Armes is the heart of the city, and the Place Saint-Nicolas, in Old Valenciennes, is home to the liveliest bars in the evening.
Among the 10 experiences recommended by the tourist office: a coffee with a local expert at the Mont-de-Piété (pawnshop), a stroll along the Mail Watteau and its statues, shopping in the city center, and a chocolate tasting.
For current concerts, exhibitions, and markets, consult the weekend events before to leave. Please note: the Museum of Fine Arts is currently closed for renovations.
On Saturday evenings, the tourist office compiled its suggestions for outings on a page Valenciennes by Night. For dinner, its selection of restaurants covers the city center, which is within walking distance of the hotel.
What nature outings are there to do in Valenciennes?
The tourist office highlights three nature outings around the city: the Ledoux slag heap, the Vignoble pond, and the Sebourg waterfall. These are described in its selection of unmissable experiences.
Without a car, check the route on the Transvilles network, which manages the tram and buses in the greater Valenciennes area. The tram departs from the train station, a 2-minute walk from the hotel.
The tourist office also offers a podcast, Destination G2084, to listen to during a tram ride: an original way to discover the city while traveling.
Want to cross the border?
Mons, Belgium, is less than 35 minutes from Valenciennes. Its historic center and museums are featured on the Mons Tourist Office website, which is handy for a half-day trip on a Sunday.A concrete example: the weekend, from Saturday to Sunday
A concrete example: Saturday, 10:00 AM, departure from Lille by TER train, arrival 35 minutes later. You drop off your luggage at the hotel, then walk to Place d'Armes in 3 minutes.
Saturday at noon, lunch at the Espace Gourmand, open to everyone from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. In the afternoon, a stroll along Mail Watteau followed by coffee at the Mont-de-Piété. At 3:30 PM, your room is ready.
Saturday evening, head to Place Saint-Nicolas and Old Valenciennes on foot.
Sunday, breakfast is €10, served from 7:00 to 10:30, check-out is at 11:00, and luggage can be left in the luggage room until you catch your train. For one person, the single room is the most economical option, with breakfast available for an additional €10. For two people, the double room, ranging from 16 to 22 m², is the ideal size. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower, a television, and free Wi-Fi. For a family or group of friends, the 30 m² apartment accommodates up to 4 people, with a fully equipped kitchen, right across from the hotel.Where is the Hotel Clémenceau located in Valenciennes?
The Clémenceau Hotel is located at 39 rue du Rempart, 59300 Valenciennes, between the train station and the Place d'Armes. It can be reached 24/7 at +33 3 27 42 41 71 and is featured on the Valenciennes Tourist Office website.
Nabil's tip: "Come on Saturday morning rather than in the evening. Drop off your luggage at reception, enjoy the whole day in town, and check in to your room from 3:30 pm onwards." »
Key points:
- 2-star hotel, 2 minutes from the train station and 3 minutes from Place d'Armes.
- Paris 1 hour 50 minutes by TGV, Lille 35 minutes by TER.
- Luggage storage available before arrival at 3:30 pm and after departure at 11:00 am.
- Museum of Fine Arts closed for renovations: check the schedule before visiting.
- Single room, the most economical option, breakfast €10.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the name of the Valenciennes train station? It is the Valenciennes train station, served by the TER Hauts-de-France and by the TGV. The Clémenceau Hotel is 500 meters away, a 2-minute walk.
Can you visit Valenciennes without a car? Yes, the historic center is easily walkable from the hotel. For longer trips, the Transvilles network connects the train station to the rest of the metropolitan area.
What are some beautiful villages around Valenciennes? The tourist office highlights Sebourg and its waterfall as one of its must-see attractions. For a getaway in Belgium, Mons is less than 35 minutes from Valenciennes.
Can I leave my luggage at the hotel? Yes, the luggage storage service will keep your suitcases before arrival, from 3:30 pm, and after departure, which is at 11:00 am.
For group stays, read our article on the aparthotel in Valenciennes. For those on a budget, read our tips for finding an affordable hotel in Valenciennes, and find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQ. By Nabil Abidi, manager of the Clémenceau Hotel in Valenciennes.