Waregem(Belgium) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Valenciennes, stay at Hôtel de L'Abbaye, a converted 12th-century abbey offering elegant rooms blending medieval architecture with modern comfort. Located steps from the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Old Town Square, it provides access to historic landmarks and local artisan markets. Guests enjoy guided walking tours showcasing Flemish heritage, including traditional beer tasting sessions and slow-cooked beef stew workshops. The hotel also offers free bicycles for exploring the surrounding Flemish countryside, making it ideal for immersive cultural experiences.

The city center of Valenciennes is the most convenient area for hotel stays, located just minutes from the Town Hall Square, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Museum of Flanders. This vibrant district features cozy cafés like Boulangerie Le Pain d'Or, serving authentic Flemish baguettes and fresh pastries. With easy access to public transport and pedestrian-friendly streets, guests can explore museums, galleries, and seasonal festivals on foot. It’s the perfect blend of accessibility, charm, and cultural richness for travelers seeking an authentic Belgian experience.

While in Valenciennes, don’t miss attending a traditional Flemish music night at Le Chat Noir, where musicians perform 18th-century folk tunes on period instruments. Participate in a handmade soap workshop using local lavender and honey, creating souvenirs that capture regional craftsmanship. Visit the morning market square to buy fresh Belgian lettuce, onions, and cheeses, paired with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. These authentic activities offer deep insight into the daily life and traditions of West Flanders’ rural communities.

Yes, Gîte des Flandres is a family-friendly country inn near Valenciennes Zoo, featuring a private garden, playground, and child-safe amenities. Kids enjoy breakfast with homemade jams and fruit cups, and parents can join farm animal encounters—feeding goats and rabbits. The inn offers family bike tours along scenic canal paths lined with colorful farmhouses and windmills. With stroller-accessible rooms and babysitting services, it’s perfect for creating lasting memories in a peaceful, nature-rich setting.

During winter, stay at Hôtel du Cloître, where crackling fireplaces and thick curtains create a warm ambiance. Join the Christmas Light Tour, a guided evening walk through illuminated old streets adorned with vintage lanterns and stained-glass windows. Every weekend, enjoy a hot mulled wine and gingerbread workshop, crafting traditional treats. For a serene escape, rent snowshoes and hike the Valenciennes Forest Trail, listening to the quiet crunch of snow underfoot—a tranquil, Nordic-inspired retreat in the heart of Belgium.

La Table de Flandre is a culinary haven in Valenciennes, where the restaurant, led by a chef from Ghent’s Michelin-starred kitchen, serves seasonal dishes like beef stew with mashed potatoes and pan-seared eel with sour bean sauce. The hotel features a private wine cellar pairing Brussels ale and Cocktail liqueurs with meals. Guests can book a private cooking class to master classic Flemish sauces. Outdoor terrace dining under stone arches, served with warm soup and local bread, creates a sensory journey through regional flavors and hospitality.

Yes, Valenciennes is highly accessible for self-drivers. The town lies on Belgium’s northern rail network, with trains from Ghent or Ostend taking just 30 minutes. Within the city, narrow but well-marked streets make parking straightforward. Use the Town Hall underground garage, which offers free parking until 9 PM. The region has extensive bike trails connecting to the West Flanders Greenway Network, ideal for scenic rides along rivers and farmland. Many hotels also provide shuttle services to nearby attractions, combining freedom with convenience.

Many hotels in Valenciennes embrace sustainability. Green House Hotel uses solar panels for energy, offers biodegradable toiletries, and runs a plastic-free initiative. Their on-site organic garden supplies fresh vegetables to the restaurant. Guests can join waste sorting workshops and earn points for eco-actions, redeemable for gifts. Rooms feature smart thermostats adjusting based on occupancy, reducing energy use. These efforts align with Belgium’s strong commitment to green tourism, ensuring a responsible and mindful stay.

For a romantic getaway, choose Le Petit Jardin, a secluded garden guesthouse tucked behind the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Its private terrace suites, rose gardens lit at night, and personalized welcome include champagne and handcrafted chocolates. Book a candlelit dinner in the courtyard, featuring a four-course French-Flemish fusion meal prepared by the in-house chef. Enjoy a shared hot tub and star-gazing session under the clear night sky. Start your day with blueberry jam toast in the garden, surrounded by birdsong—perfect for honeymoons or anniversary trips.

Most hotels in Valenciennes offer multilingual support. Hôtel de la Ville staff speak Dutch, French, English, and German, assisting with bookings and menu translations. Some hotels provide audio guides in English, French, and Spanish. Digital maps and real-time info are accessible via mobile apps, and guest rooms include multilingual welcome packs. Additionally, the hotels collaborate with local tourism offices to host language exchange events, allowing visitors to practice conversation over coffee in local cafés—enhancing cultural connection and communication.