Erasmus in Valenciennes

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Valenciennes

Why do your Erasmus in Valenciennes? It is a small French town full of hundreds of students with whom you will live incredible adventures. In addition, it has various bars, restaurants, shopping centres, cinemas, parks and an endless number of places to enjoy during your stay. If you are curious to know all the secrets of an Erasmus in Valenciennes, keep reading this article.

Cost of living in Valenciennes, France

The cost of living in Valenciennes is quite similar to the rest of the small French cities, so it is quite affordable for a student. You should have a monthly budget of around €800, assuming that you choose to rent a room in a shared apartment and add living expenses and possible leisure activities.

Most of the young people who come to study in Valenciennes prefer to rent a room in a shared apartment since it allows you to save on common expenses and share experiences with other students in the same conditions. The prices of rooms usually start from €350 to €500 per month generally. Another alternative is residences, whose prices depend on the characteristics and services they offer.

This city enjoys a privileged location since it is located in the heart of Europe with five European countries around it (Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and the United Kingdom). If you plan to take advantage of this and travel to other French cities or other countries, we recommend that you take a look at offers and discounts for being a student, such as the Youth Advantage Card, a card that allows you to obtain discounts on train journeys in France. In addition, it connects with Paris, both by train and by bus as well as by sharing a car, with quite cheap prices, and it has some international airports in less than two hours with low-cost companies, such as Lille-Lesquin Airport.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Valenciennes

In Valenciennes, there is a wide variety of plans and activities to do, such as visiting museums with different exhibitions, a cinema, an ice rink, a bowling alley, laser tag, etc. If you prefer doing sports outdoors, there is a forest with small hills, and you can also go to the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Park (Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut) for hiking trails.

The student atmosphere in this French city is usually very lively. It is very common to have parties in student flats, although the city also has different bars and restaurants, such as Le camel a leon and Au Bureau, or pubs, such as Le Showroom Club, where most of the young people gather. If you prefer a change of scenery, you can take a train and go to the big city of Lille for a drink, or even to Quiévrain, since the border is very close.

Culture and gastronomy in Valenciennes, France

Valenciennes is known for its culture and creativity, which gave it the nickname "Athens of the North". Despite the confrontations of the Second World War, Valenciennes retains a rich artistic heritage, thanks to the many painters, sculptors and architects who have helped shape French culture for hundreds of years. Some places that reflect it are:

• Place d’Armes,

• Basilique Saint-Cordon,

• Fosse Dutemple,

• Bibliothèque Des Jésuites (the Jesuit Library),

• Cimetière Saint-Roch (St. Roch Cemetery),

• Église Saint-Géry (Saint-Géry Church).

In Valenciennes, it’s worth it to be brave and taste the most famous culinary delights in the city. Some of the dishes that you have to try are the “lucullus”, smoked beef tongue, simmered in a broth and then covered with foie gras, and the “goyère au maroilles”, a luxurious and fluffy soufflé topped with local Maroilles cheese. Besides, in this area is produced a wide variety of beers, such as Germinal, which you will surely have the opportunity to try during your stay in Valenciennes.

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Valenciennes

In this city, you will discover French culture, its way of life and its traditions, as well as taste its delicious gastronomy. In addition, you will be able to meet other international students, with whom you will improve your French and live endless adventures that you will never forget. From Valenciennes, you can move to other French regions and even to other countries, such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany and the United Kingdom, thanks to its privileged location in the heart of Europe.

Cheap student accommodation in Valenciennes

Are you looking for accommodation in Valenciennes? In the Erasmus Play housing search engine you can easily find the best flats, rooms and apartments for students in Valenciennes. Look at them!

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Valenciennes

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