Valenciennes is a commune in the Nord department, Hauts-de-France, France.
It lies on the Scheldt (French: Escaut) river. Although the city and region experienced a steady population decline between 1975 and 1990, it has … See more

The Hindenburg Line ran through Valenciennes during World War I, leading to extensive destruction. Valenciennes was again almost completely destroyed during World War II, and has since been rebuilt in concrete.
A few surviving … See more

Line No. 1 of the Tramway de Valenciennes was put into service on 3 July 2006. 9.5 km (5.9 mi) long, this tramway crosses the five communes in the Valenciennois … See more

Before 1500
Valenciennes is first mentioned in 693 in a legal document written by Clovis II (Valentiana). In the 843 Treaty of Verdun, it was made a neutral … See more

Climate
Valenciennes has an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification Cfb). The average annual … See more

Valenciennes is historically renowned for its lace. Until the 1970s, the main industries were steel and textiles. Since their decline, reconversion attempts focus mainly on See more

Valenciennes is a subprefecture of the Nord département.
Mayors since 1947
• 1947–1988: Pierre Carous, resigned (died in 1990)
• 1988–1989: Olivier Marlière
• See more