Top 15 things to do in Valencia

Top 15 things to do in Valencia

1- Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral

At the center of Place des Ormeaux, in Valence's religious quarter, stands the Cathedral of Saint Apollinaire. Built in 1095 by Pope Urban II, it is one of the city's oldest monuments. Over the centuries, this religious building underwent numerous modifications until the 17th century, when it was completely rebuilt identically. Steeped in history, it was listed as a historic monument in 1869 and sits next to the Episcopal Palace, which now houses the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology of Valence.

The opening hours for visiting it are:

• Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

2- Jouvet Park

For afternoons spent in nature, Valence offers its visitors numerous green spaces such as Jouvet Park. Located in the heart of the city of Valence, the park is an integral part of the daily lives of residents. Spanning over 7 hectares, it is full of ponds, canals, and a multitude of trees. It was also listed in the inventory of natural monuments and artistic sites in 1942.

In both summer and winter, it's one of the busiest spots in the city. Whether you're brunching, picnicking, playing sports, or reading, it's the perfect place to enjoy the sun and green spaces in the heart of the city.

Opening hours vary depending on the period:

• February to end of March 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• May to end of September 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• October 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• November to end of January 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

3- ViaRhôna by bike

The city of Valence is bordered by the ViaRhôna canals. The ViaRhôna is a river connecting Lake Geneva in Switzerland to the Mediterranean. It runs along the Rhône for about 100 kilometers, passing through the Drôme and Ardèche departments. Every year, thousands of visitors spend an afternoon cruising along its currents. It's one of the most popular tourist activities. To enjoy a stroll along the waterway, bike rental shops have sprung up all along the canal and in the city center. Valence also offers self-service bikes: Libélo. Available 24/7, it's the perfect opportunity to get active outdoors at a low cost!

Prices:

• First half hour: free
• Day package: €2
• Annual package: €30

4 - The Museum of Art and Archaeology of Valencia

Located in the heart of the city's historic center, on Place des Ormeaux, the Valence Museum of Art and Archaeology is a popular cultural hub. Formerly the Bishop's Palace, it is adjacent to the Cathedral of Saint Apollinaire.

It contains thousands of specialized works on art and archaeology and is in partnership with the Grenoble-Valence Higher Education Center for Art and Design. Wishing to attract as many people as possible, the city of Valence organizes educational workshops for children and a whole range of friendly and shared activities. There is also a historic garden, a terrace, and a belvedere with an exceptional view!

Prices:

• Permanent collections €6
• Temporary exhibitions €6
• Combined ticket: €9
• Free on the 1st Sunday of each month

5 - Armenian Heritage Center

Valence is brimming with history and cultural sites. The presence of the Armenian Heritage Center (CPA) is proof of this. After two years of renovations, it recently reopened, expanding from 400 m² to over 1,000 m². It houses numerous temporary exhibitions on historical subjects such as the history of Armenians, the discovery of peoples, religious conflicts, migrations, and more. There are also several permanent exhibitions, each one more innovative than the last. The renovations have made it possible to set up specific workshops for children, a shop, and a room for conferences. This is perfect for history buffs and curious holidaymakers alike!

Prices:

• Full price: €4
• Reduced price: €2 or €3
• Free for students and under 18s

6 - Valentinois street art

Known as a city of art and history, Valencia is not afraid to embrace newer practices like street art. Many places (streets, bars, old buildings) have proclaimed themselves champions of street art. These include the Chemin de Ronde, the Fabrique, and the Pont des Londes. For street art fans, Valencia is a wonderful destination!

7 - The Champ de Mars

Overlooking Jouvet Park, the Champ de Mars in Valence is a friendly and festive place. Formerly known as the "Promenade du Beauregard," this square quickly changed its name due to the numerous military exercises that took place there.

It houses a statue of the former general-in-chief of the Army of the Alps, a superb bandstand and a monument dedicated to the dead of the Drôme during the war of 1870.

This is the square where the people of Valence regularly gather, both for events and for markets and festivals.

8 - Goolfmania, an original mini golf course

Goolfmania is a great activity for families with young children! This colorful, decorative mini-golf course offers a truly immersive experience for little ones. Set in darkness, the rooms are illuminated only by the fluorescent colors of the various characters and animals on site. Ideal for rainy days, it's an affordable activity that's fun for the whole family!

Opening :

• School holidays: 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Summer holidays: 7 days a week from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• School term: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Prices:

• Child (-1 meter): free
• Children (-1 m 40): €7
• Adults: €9

9 - Scook, cooking classes with Anne Sophie Pic

For cooking enthusiasts or beginners who want to treat themselves to classes with a renowned chef, Scook is an ideal activity to do! It is the cooking school of the famous Anne-Sophie Pic, the most Michelin-starred chef in the world. After the opening of her various Michelin-starred restaurants including “La Maison Pic” in Valence, the master restaurateur launched various classes for all ages. Adult pastry workshops, duo workshops, chocolate shows, world tour in 4 recipes… multiple formulas for everyone!

For more information on training and prices, click here   !

Prices:

• Quick lunch: €19 for 30 minutes
• Full menu: €200 for 4 hours

10 - Port of the Epervière

Outside the city, on the Rhône River, lies the Port de l'Épervière. Access is via the ViaRhôna. It is considered the largest river marina in France. It offers all kinds of water sports, including sailing, canoeing, rowing, and swimming. Open most of the year, these activities are a great alternative to a seaside vacation!

11 - The House of Heads

Architecture enthusiasts will be impressed by the House of Heads. This residence, built around the 16th century, is characteristic of the Gothic style of the time. It was reportedly built and inhabited by a certain Antoine de Dorne, a law professor. Whether it's the intricate moldings, the numerous medallion heads, or the lattice windows, this house has everything to please Renaissance enthusiasts. Belonging to the city of Valence, it now houses an architecture and heritage interpretation center.

Prices:

• Adults: €5 / person
• Students: €3/person
• Children (- 18 years): free

12 - Dupré-Latour House

Formerly a hotel in the historic center, the Maison Dupré-Latour bears the name of François Dupré la Tour. Since its purchase in 1760, all of his descendants have lived in the building until 1989 when it was transferred to the city of Valence. Like the Maison des Têtes, this residence is known for its Renaissance architecture. Comprising a staircase turret and gallery, it was listed as a historic monument in 1927.

13 - The panic box

The Panic Box is the perfect place for family afternoons and evenings. This Escape Game offers a real experience for an hour. The current theme is the Circus: a strange circus in which mysterious things happen... Opening:

• Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (off-peak hours)
• Weekday evenings, weekends, holidays and public holidays (peak hours)

Rates for 4 players:

• Off-peak hours: €88
• Peak hours: €100

14 - Themed visit with the tourist office

To make its guided tours more interesting and original, the Valence tourist office regularly organizes themed tours. The tour routes are optimized to show as many of the city's unusual places as possible. This is an opportunity to see the old town of Valence, the water tower, the canals, the port... Sometimes, the tourist office organizes special tours such as the Napoleon Bonaparte tour. Costumes and disguises are brought out to make the visit even more enjoyable and attractive than usual!

Price:

• Visit: €7 / person

15 - Clerics Square

Finally, to round off your vacation in Valencia, what better way to end your vacation than to visit Place des Clércs! This square is typical of the city and regularly attracts all the locals. Existing since the 13th century, it takes its name from its location in the heart of the religious quarter of the city of Valencia. Steeped in history, it is now the market square every Saturday morning.