Valenciennes Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Valenciennes. Your complete guide to dining in Valenciennes.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Valenciennes! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Valenciennes has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Valenciennes's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Valenciennes like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Valenciennes offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Valenciennes.
Les Trois Gourmets
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.9 stars from 220 reviews.
📍 53 Rue de Famars, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Les Canonniers
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.9 stars from 162 reviews.
📍 12 Pl. d'Armes, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Le Musigny
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.8 stars from 314 reviews.
📍 90 Av. de Liège, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Restaurant L'Escargot
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.5 stars from 1319 reviews.
📍 46 bis Rue de Famars, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
L'instant gourmand
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.8 stars from 221 reviews.
📍 111 Rue du Quesnoy, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
CHEZ NOUS
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 5 stars from 78 reviews.
📍 50 Rue Saint-Géry, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Ô Saveurs - Restaurant Traditionnel
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.9 stars from 113 reviews.
📍 3 Rue Henri Lemaire, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Chez Mon Vieux
Highly rated French in Valenciennes with 4.4 stars from 3156 reviews.
📍 25 Rue Delsaux, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic French cuisine
Les Savoureux
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.8 stars from 262 reviews.
📍 62 Rue de Mons, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
L'Un des Sens
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.6 stars from 559 reviews.
📍 16 Av. Albert 1er, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Shake N Shacke
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.8 stars from 1474 reviews.
📍 18 Rue Ferrand, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Le Bistrot D'en Face
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.4 stars from 1245 reviews.
📍 5 Av. d'Amsterdam, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Valenciennes.
Place-Ô-Marché Valenciennes
Highly rated International in Valenciennes with 4.3 stars from 392 reviews.
📍 marché couvert, 1 Place Poterne, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Market Valenciennes Armes
Highly rated Bakery in Valenciennes with 3.9 stars from 1063 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 12 Rue de la Halle, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
E.Leclerc
Highly rated Bakery in Valenciennes with 4.1 stars from 5162 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 50 Rue Ernest Macarez E.LECLERC, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Market Marly Les Valenciennes
Highly rated Bakery in Valenciennes with 3.9 stars from 2003 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 Av. Henri Barbusse, 59770 Marly, France
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
MINIMARKET
Highly rated International in Valenciennes with 4.8 stars from 34 reviews.
📍 14 Av. de Saint-Amand, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Pyramide Market
Highly rated American in Valenciennes with 4.6 stars from 393 reviews. Quick service for those on the go.
📍 3 Pl. Dampierre, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Centre Place d'Armes
Highly rated Bakery in Valenciennes with 4 stars from 5296 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 12 Rue de la Halle, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Auchan Supermarché Valenciennes
Highly rated International in Valenciennes with 3.7 stars from 773 reviews.
📍 59 Av. de Verdun, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Valenciennes.
Fête vous plaisir - Food Truck Crêpes - Valenciennes - Le Touquet
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 5 stars from 109 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Au tour du Kiosque
Highly rated International in Valenciennes with 5 stars from 40 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
La Tour de Pizz'
Highly rated Pizza in Valenciennes with 4.4 stars from 185 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Chez Mon Vieux
Highly rated French in Valenciennes with 4.4 stars from 3156 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Restaurant Fresh Tacos | kebab & cheese naan | burger | halal
Highly rated American in Valenciennes with 4.2 stars from 722 reviews. Quick service for those on the go.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Pathé Gaumont
Highly rated Korean in Valenciennes with 4.1 stars from 6474 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Valenciennes.
Les Trois Gourmets
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.9 stars from 220 reviews.
📍 53 Rue de Famars, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Lublin Café
Highly rated International in Valenciennes with 4.8 stars from 115 reviews.
📍 60 Rue de Paris, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Crousty one Valenciennes
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.9 stars from 493 reviews.
📍 34 Rue du Quesnoy, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Shake N Shacke
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.8 stars from 1474 reviews.
📍 18 Rue Ferrand, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Chez Maminou ( Café des chats )
Highly rated Cafe in Valenciennes with 4.8 stars from 196 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 36 Rue de Famars, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Columbus Café & Co
Highly rated Cafe in Valenciennes with 4.3 stars from 891 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 55 Pl. d'Armes, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Restaurant L'Escargot
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.5 stars from 1319 reviews.
📍 46 bis Rue de Famars, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Jules et madeleine au clair de lune
Highly rated Restaurant in Valenciennes with 4.7 stars from 386 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 35 Pl. de la Barre, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Valenciennes.
Signature Dish
A must-try Valenciennes specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Valenciennes dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Valenciennes with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Valenciennes specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Valenciennes creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Valenciennes classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Valenciennes specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Valenciennes dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Valenciennes with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Valenciennes specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Valenciennes.
AU REPÈRE
Highly rated Bar in Valenciennes with 4.9 stars from 301 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2 Rue de la Halle, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
16 bar
Highly rated Bar in Valenciennes with 5 stars from 29 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 16 Rue Capron, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
L'Open bar
Highly rated Bar in Valenciennes with 4.6 stars from 27 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 38 Rue du Quesnoy, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
LevЯette Café Valenciennes
Highly rated Bar in Valenciennes with 4.9 stars from 89 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 7 Pass. de l’Arsenal, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
La Plank
Highly rated Bar in Valenciennes with 4.5 stars from 72 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 52 Av. du Sénateur Girard, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Bierspot
Highly rated Bar in Valenciennes with 4.3 stars from 384 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 25 Pl. du Hainaut, 59300 Valenciennes, France
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Valenciennes's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Valenciennes vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Valenciennes is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Valenciennes offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Valenciennes specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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