Valenciennes is a city that surprises. A city full of charm and discretion. A city to be discovered on foot, through its narrow streets, its lively squares and its incredibly rich monuments. Known as the “Athens of the North” because of its artistic influence (21 Grand Prix de Rome, including Carpeaux, and about thirty second prizes), Valenciennes is a city to discover on foot. The Tourist Office proposes a 1h30 walk to discover the Old Valenciennes, passing by the superb Place des Armes, the district of the Notre-Dame du Saint-Cordon basilica, the Watteau fountain, near the Saint-Géry church, signed by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (one of the most beautiful in France), the pretty Place du Neuf Bourg, surrounded by superb old houses…