Valence: French history and food are tasted
In the heart of southeastern France, where the Rhône Valley unfolds its verdant tapestry, a city of understated charm awaits discovery. Valence, often overlooked by travelers rushing between Lyon and Provence, rewards those who pause to explore its quiet streets and sun-dappled squares. This gateway to the South offers a blend of historical intrigue, culinary excellence, and natural beauty that can be savored at a leisurely pace.
A Canvas of History
The rich history of Valence can be traced in the stones of its ancient buildings and the layout of its medieval streets. The old town, with its narrow alleys and hidden courtyards, invites exploration. At its heart, the 11th-century Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire stands as a testament to the city's enduring spirit. The Romanesque architecture of the cathedral is complemented by the ornate facade of the Maison des Têtes, a 16th-century mansion adorned with intricate sculptures of human heads.
In the Place des Clercs, the bustling main square of Valence, the Pendentif is found - a curious funerary monument from the Renaissance period. This structure, with its distinctive domed roof, serves as a focal point for locals and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the city's architectural evolution.
Gastronomic Delights
Valence's reputation as a culinary destination has been firmly established by the presence of the renowned Maison Pic. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by chef Anne-Sophie Pic, continues a legacy of gastronomic excellence that spans generations. The innovative cuisine served here reflects both the rich culinary traditions of the region and a forward-thinking approach to flavor and presentation.
Beyond haute cuisine, Valence's markets and local eateries offer a taste of the region's bounty. The covered market of Halles de Valence buzzes with activity, as vendors display an array of local produce, cheeses, and charcuterie. The city's location in the Rhône Valley ensures a wealth of fresh ingredients, from the celebrated Valence apricots to the aromatic truffles of the nearby Drôme region.
Natural Beauty and Outdoor Pursuits
The natural setting of Valence provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Parc Jouvet, a expansive green space in the heart of the city, offers a peaceful retreat with its botanical gardens and panoramic views of the Rhône River and the Ardèche mountains beyond.
For those seeking more active pursuits, the ViaRhôna cycling path passes through Valence, allowing cyclists to explore the scenic Rhône Valley. The nearby Vercors Regional Natural Park tempts hikers and nature lovers with its dramatic limestone cliffs and diverse flora and fauna.
A City of Innovation
While Valence proudly preserves its historical heritage, it also embraces innovation and modernity. The Pôle Ecotox, a cutting-edge research center focused on ecotoxicology, exemplifies the city's commitment to scientific advancement and environmental stewardship. This blend of respect for tradition and forward-thinking attitude is reflected in the city's urban development, where contemporary architecture is thoughtfully integrated with historic structures.
Cultural Vibrancy
The cultural life of Valence is enriched by a variety of museums and events. The Musée de Valence, Art et Archéologie showcases an impressive collection of art and artifacts that span from prehistory to the present day. Throughout the year, festivals and events bring the streets of Valence to life, from the vibrant Festival Sur le Champ! celebrating music and street arts, to the more contemplative Festivals des Scénaristes, which draws screenwriters and film enthusiasts from across France.
A Gateway to Further Exploration
Valence's strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider Rhône-Alpes region. The vineyards of the Hermitage appellation, famous for their Syrah-based wines, are just a short drive away. The picturesque village of Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye, with its impressive Gothic abbey, offers a glimpse into medieval monastic life.
As the sun sets over the Rhône, casting a golden glow across the city's rooftops, the true charm of Valence becomes apparent. It's a city that invites you to slow down, to savor its pleasures, and to immerse yourself in the rhythms of life in the heart of France. Whether you're drawn by its culinary reputation, its historical landmarks, or simply the allure of its sun-drenched streets, Valence offers a welcoming embrace to all who visit. For those seeking to explore more of France's hidden gems, a trip to Angers in the Loire Valley could be an equally rewarding experience, offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomic delights.
When to visit Valence
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Michelin Restaurants in Valence
Show allFlaveurs
A colourful decor with a carpeted floor and chestnut-wood tables provides the setting for this fine gourmet restaurant situated in the heart of Valence’s old town. It was perhaps his grandfather’s job as a caterer that influenced the career choice of young chef Baptiste Poinot, who studied at the hotel school in Vienne, and took lessons with Michel Chabran in Pont-de-l’Isère, as well as with Anne-Sophie Pic and Joël Robuchon. Much thought has clearly gone into each of the dishes created by this sensitive chef, who seeks above all to convey an emotion through his cuisine using top-quality ingredients and highly skilled technique. The resulting flavours – sensations produced both by the taste and aroma of his ingredients – are particularly enticing.
Valence - FRANCE
La Cachette
In the lower part of Valence, this hidden little gem is now even more tucked away since moving its premises into the cul-de-sac located behind the original restaurant. It is certainly still worth seeking out! You will get acquainted with a meticulous and inspired chef, Masashi Ijichi, who is originally from Japan. In this brand-new, modern setting, he delivers fine and delicate dishes that irresistibly combine flavours from the Drôme area with inspiration from Asia. Red mullet, courgettes, curry and white pepper; pigeon with black trumpet mushrooms; Japanese Wagyu beef, mustard and green beans. This excellent dining experience is made complete by the efficient service and outstanding wine list (superb selection of northern Côtes du Rhône wines).
Valence - FRANCE
Pic
The first thing to mention about Maison Pic (in the Drôme département of southeast France) is its special atmosphere. An artfully lit room designed to cast light on the dishes, floral creations, a thick carpet that muffles the steps of a front-of-house team dressed in classic attire. Here, they serve food the old-fashioned way, on a porcelain plate under a cloche. The lofty culinary obsessions of a chef who has been dubbed "the tightrope walker of flavours" – adulation of Japan, original presentations – make themselves felt in the dishes. Anne-Sophie Pic now serves a single set menu with ten "ports of call". A member of the highly exclusive club of female three-starred chefs, she is now director of the foundation "Donnons du goût à l'enfance". Beyond her boundless talent, she is an iconic figure.
Valence - FRANCE
André
This bistro replete with history celebrates the signature dishes of each generation of the Pic family. These include, most memorably: Jacques's mosaic of red mullet and foie gras, a surf and turf creation as audacious as it is aesthetically pleasing, to which his daughter Anne-Sophie added the bouillabaisse jelly, or the vol au vent filled with crayfish, calf sweetbreads and Nantua sauce.
Valence - FRANCE
Le Bac à Traille
Masashi Ljichi, Japanese-born star chef of La Cachette, has made his dream come true in this wholehearted, flavoursome bistro, whose name pays homage to a former shuttle (bac) that used to cross the Rhône by way of a cable (traille). In addition to a high-flying gastronomic score, the chef crafts bistronomic dishes rich in big-boned flavours that are bang on every time. The market-fresh cuisine is impeccably curated, always punchy and heroically tasty, illustrated by poultry terrine, veggie pickles and lentil salad or lacquered pork belly in Timut pepper with fluffy mashed potatoes. We recommend the coconut pineapple and rum soup with tapioca and a velvety pineapple sorbet to finish. Fine selection of regional vintages. Knockout value for money.
Valence - FRANCE
Best Restaurants in Valence
Show allLa Maison Restaurant
Dine in • Lunch • Dinner • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Valence - FRANCE
Restaurant La drez'in
Dine in • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Saint-Péray - FRANCE
Restaurant Le 8
Dine in • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Vegetarian Friendly • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Saint-Péray - FRANCE
Restaurant La Casadaline
Dine in • Takeaway • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Valence - FRANCE
LE SY’L RESTAURANT (OLÉA)
Dine in • Lunch • Dinner • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Bourg-lès-Valence - FRANCE
La Petite Fabrique
Dine in • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Vegetarian Friendly • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Valence - FRANCE
Les Bons Vivants
Dine in • Lunch • Dinner • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Valence - FRANCE
Chez Sam Restaurant, Bar, Rhumerie
Dine in • Lunch • Dinner • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Valence - FRANCE
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