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Valence

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About Valence

Valence lies on the left bank of the Rhone River in the Rhône-Alpes region, south of Lyon. Often dubbed the 'Gateway to the South of France', this is a lovely city brimming with heritage sites and pretty places for sun-drenched strolls. The area's accommodation options are equally appealing, with everything from swish modern hotels to restored 16th-century residences-turned-boutique boltholes. Reflecting this region's famous focus on food, two of the best places to stay in Valence also boast Michelin-starred cuisine!

Dating back to the Roman era, the city offers keen history buffs a number of fascinating heritage sights. The Cathedral St. Apollinaire, a beautiful eleventh-century Romanesque building, is perhaps the most striking. Ambles through Vieux Valence will yield the unusual Maison des Têtes, the beautiful Maison Mauresque and lanes lined with restored period houses. Culture aficionados will adore the Musée d’Art et d’Archaeologie, as well as the Italian and Armenian theatres, which celebrate the city's rich heritage as home to diverse communities.

Soak up the sunshine with strolls through the Jouvet Park — taking in the views of the ruined Château de Crussol — and the boulevards of the Champ de Mars. Cycle around the city with the help of Valence's self-service bike hire scheme, or take boat trips along the picturesque canals. Return to boutique pads or Michelin-starred restaurants-with-rooms in the evenings. The best places to stay in Valence await!

The Best Places to Stay in Valence

For City Style

  • Hotel de France is a smart city hotel on the edge of Valence's Old Town. Contemporary rooms are individually designed, with crisp, clean lines and a minimalist sense of style. Kick off your day with generous breakfasts on the sunlit terrace.

For Boutique Chic

  • The Victoria is a small, family-run boutique hotel close to the train station. Brilliant for weekends away, this design-led spot is decorated in moody teal and grey tones and cool photographic prints. Expect friendly service, in-room Nespresso machines and top-notch breakfast pastries to be savoured on the terrace.
  • Maison de la Pra is a converted 16th-century mansion in the heart of Valence. Exposed beams, stonework and whitewashed walls create a rustic-chic feel. An elegant choice within walking distance of the main sights of the Old Town and the river.

For Foodies

  • Maison Pic is a modern design hotel most notable for its famous patron Anne-Sophie Pic, the award-winning French chef. Sublime dinners await at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, after which you can retreat to trendy rooms decorated with designer pieces by Bruno Borrione. Cookery classes and wine tastings are also terrific.
  • Hotel Michel Chabran, across the river in Pont-de-l'Isère, offers spacious rooms with warm ochre-coloured walls and classic furnishings. The ambiance at this family-run hotel is appealing laid-back for a spot with a Michelin-starred restaurant. A romantic retreat for relaxed foodies.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, and zip down to Valence by train in less than an hour. Alternatively, the drive takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.
  • The Rhône-Alpes region is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Summer is by far the most popular time for exploring, with temperatures peaking at around 22-24°C in July and August. Spring and autumn are quieter and cooler.

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Best Hotels in Valence

  • Hotel de France, Valence Valence 47 rooms from CA$145

    Local exploring  -  This cool contemporary hotel in the heart of Valence makes an ideal base for exploring the town by foot.
    Sights nearby  -  Located just 450 m from the Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral.
    Disabled accessParkingNo pets

    A stylish property in the centre of Valence. The smart contemporary rooms are individually designed in a minimalist style. Indulgent buffet breakfasts are served on the sun-drenched terrace. Well positioned for exploring the town's sights. A chic option. See More

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  • Hotel Michel Chabran Valence (Pont-de-l'Isère) 10 rooms from CA$161

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Traditional
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking
    Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel, Good Hotel Guide

    Spacious rooms are decorated in a simplistic, Provençal style. The quiet, cosy ambiance and evening meals on the verandah, eating Michelin starred dishes make this perfect for a romantic retreat. All this plus a golf course and vineyards nearby. Great value. See More

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  • The Victoria, Valence Valence 12 rooms from CA$190

    Local exploring  -  A smart base just minutes from the old town
    Great walks  -  Take a stroll through the Jovet Park (a large open space for families) overlooking the Ardeche mountains
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the city's oldest monument, Valence cathedral, which dates back to the 1000s
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Air conditioningPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    Located just outside the Valence train station, this modern designer-inspired boutique hotel has high-quality furnishings and friendly service. Rooms have that perfect contemporary retro-chic feel. A perfect choice for couples on a weekend down the iconic Route 7 in France. See More

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  • Maison de la Pra Valence 4 rooms from CA$227

    Great walks  -  The rivers Drome and Ardeche meet just a short walk from the hotel
    Local markets  -  Visit the markets in the towns and villages of the area
    Sights nearby  -  550 yards away from Valence Cathedral
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Air conditioningGardenViewsParking

    Stunning conversion of a 16th century mansion located in the historic centre of Valence. The rooms are spacious and airy, with smart modern, tiled bathrooms, whilst maintaining a rustic charm with exposed stonework and wooden beams. A chic base from which to exlore the area. See More

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  • Maison Pic Valence 16 rooms from CA$278

    Cooking classes  -  Available at the hotel
    Short break
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Luxurious, contemporary hotel which is renowned for it's three Michelin Starred restaurant - headed by Chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Bedrooms are cool and sleek with designer pieces from Bruno Borrione. Enjoy the beautiful garden and outdoor swimming pool. A foodies delight. See More

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