# Valenciennes

> French commune in Nord, Hauts-de-France

**Wikidata**: [Q163795](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q163795)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valenciennes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/valenciennes

## Summary
Valenciennes is a commune in the Nord department of Hauts-de-France, France, known for its industrial heritage, cultural institutions, and role as a regional hub. Founded as part of the medieval County of Hainaut, it has evolved into a modern urban center with significant infrastructure and educational institutions.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Nord department, Hauts-de-France, France.
- **Population**: 42,851 (2023), 44,043 (2022), 44,509 (2021), 43,336 (2020), 43,405 (2019), 43,229 (2018), 42,738 (2017), 42,991 (2016), 42,979 (2015), 43,468 (2014).
- **Coordinates**: 50.358056°N, 3.523333°E.
- **Website**: [http://www.vale...](http://www.vale...).
- **Related Entities**:
  - **Nord Department**: French department in Hauts-de-France (inception: March 4, 1790).
  - **County of Hainaut**: Medieval region in current Belgium and France (inception: 1071).
  - **INSA Hauts-de-France**: French engineering college (inception: September 11, 2019).
  - **Valenciennes F.C.**: Association football team (inception: 1913).
  - **European Union Agency for Railways**: Agency of the European Union (inception: April 29, 2004).
  - **Stade Nungesser**: Football stadium (inception: 1930).
  - **Valenciennes Railway Station**: Railway station (inception: 1909).
  - **Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes**: Museum (inception: 1909).
  - **Agglomeration Community of Metropolitan Valenciennes**: Agglomeration community (inception: December 31, 2000).
  - **Valenciennes Tramway**: Tram system (inception: unknown).
  - **Stade du Hainaut**: Football stadium (inception: July 26, 2011).
  - **Gare de Valenciennes Faubourg de Paris**: Railway station (inception: unknown).
  - **Groupe INSA**: French engineering schools group (inception: March 1, 1957).

## FAQs
**What is Valenciennes known for?**
Valenciennes is known for its industrial heritage, cultural institutions like the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and its role as a regional hub for education and transportation.

**What is the population of Valenciennes?**
The population has fluctuated between 42,738 and 44,509 over the past decade, with the most recent estimate at 42,851 (2023).

**What are the main industries in Valenciennes?**
Valenciennes has a strong industrial base, including engineering, manufacturing, and transportation, supported by institutions like INSA Hauts-de-France.

**What are the notable landmarks in Valenciennes?**
Key landmarks include the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Stade du Hainaut, and Valenciennes Railway Station.

**What is the Agglomeration Community of Metropolitan Valenciennes?**
It is an agglomeration community in northern France, established in 2000, serving as a regional administrative and economic hub.

## Why It Matters
Valenciennes plays a crucial role in the Hauts-de-France region as an industrial and cultural center. Its historical ties to the County of Hainaut and its modern infrastructure, including the European Union Agency for Railways, highlight its strategic importance. The presence of institutions like INSA Hauts-de-France underscores its role in education and innovation, while its football teams and stadiums contribute to local identity and community engagement.

## Notable For
- **Industrial Heritage**: Home to significant industrial infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.
- **Cultural Institutions**: Hosts the Musée des Beaux-Arts and other cultural landmarks.
- **Educational Hub**: Features INSA Hauts-de-France, a prestigious engineering college.
- **Transportation Node**: Served by Valenciennes Railway Station and the Valenciennes Tramway.
- **Sports Venues**: Includes Stade du Hainaut and Stade Nungesser for football and athletics.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Valenciennes is situated in the Nord department of Hauts-de-France, France, with coordinates 50.358056°N, 3.523333°E. It is part of the larger metropolitan area governed by the Agglomeration Community of Metropolitan Valenciennes.

### History and Founding
Valenciennes has roots in the medieval County of Hainaut, which included parts of modern-day Belgium and France. The commune was officially established as part of the administrative reorganization of France in 1789.

### Demographics
The population has varied over the years, with recent estimates ranging from 42,738 to 44,509. The commune is part of the broader Hauts-de-France region, which includes other major cities and industrial centers.

### Economy and Industry
Valenciennes is a key industrial hub, with significant contributions to manufacturing, engineering, and transportation. The presence of the European Union Agency for Railways and Groupe INSA highlights its role in advanced industries and education.

### Culture and Landmarks
The Musée des Beaux-Arts is a notable cultural institution, showcasing local and regional art. The commune also hosts sports venues like Stade du Hainaut and Stade Nungesser, which are central to local athletic and football culture.

### Education and Institutions
INSA Hauts-de-France is a flagship engineering college, part of the Groupe INSA network. It offers specialized programs in engineering and technology, contributing to the region’s academic and industrial development.

### Transportation and Infrastructure
Valenciennes is well-connected by rail, with Valenciennes Railway Station serving as a major transportation node. The Valenciennes Tramway provides additional public transit options, supporting urban mobility.

### Related Entities
- **Nord Department**: French department in Hauts-de-France (inception: March 4, 1790).
- **County of Hainaut**: Medieval region in current Belgium and France (inception: 1071).
- **INSA Hauts-de-France**: French engineering college (inception: September 11, 2019).
- **Valenciennes F.C.**: Association football team (inception: 1913).
- **European Union Agency for Railways**: Agency of the European Union (inception: April 29, 2004).
- **Stade Nungesser**: Football stadium (inception: 1930).
- **Valenciennes Railway Station**: Railway station (inception: 1909).
- **Musée des Beaux-Arts de Valenciennes**: Museum (inception: 1909).
- **Agglomeration Community of Metropolitan Valenciennes**: Agglomeration community (inception: December 31, 2000).
- **Valenciennes Tramway**: Tram system (inception: unknown).
- **Stade du Hainaut**: Football stadium (inception: July 26, 2011).
- **Gare de Valenciennes Faubourg de Paris**: Railway station (inception: unknown).
- **Groupe INSA**: French engineering schools group (inception: March 1, 1957).

## References

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20. Populations de référence 2023
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