A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Just shy of the Belgian border in the Nord department, Valenciennes is a city recognized for its cultural and creative significance, earning it the nickname, “Athens of the North.” For centuries, this relatively small city has produced painters, sculptors, and architects who have greatly contributed to French culture.
A prosperous western suburb of Paris, Courbevoie maintains a connection to the city center while offering a relaxed, residential ambiance. The area features several understated museums located in pavilions originally constructed for the Exposition Universelle in 1878. Additionally, Courbevoie encompasses part of La Défense, the modern financial district, providing access to futuristic urban architecture and France’s largest shopping center.