The Peynet Bandstand
The first bandstand on the Champ-de-Mars dates back to 1862, but it was the artist Raymond Peynet who made it famous in 1942, when he immortalised it by depicting the love of a young musician and a dainty young lady. The “Lovers” came to be seen the world over and adorned a whole host of objects. The structure has been a listed historic monument since 1982, and has been fully restored to the original 1860 version.
Address: Avenue de la Comète, 26000 Valence
More information: http://www.kiosque-peynet.com
Parc Jouvet
The Parc Jouvet, a seven-hectare green lung right in the heart of Valence at the end of the Champ-de-Mars, is the finest urban park in the Rhone Valley, with a magnificent view of the Château de Crussol and the Vivarais mountains. Over time, the park has been enhanced with greenhouses, a pavilion, works of art, and other major monuments. With its monumental fountain, rose garden, canals, petting zoo and 700 tree species, today this “emerald of the city” is a delight for everyone.
Address: Avenue de la Comète, 26000 Valence
The Maison des Têtes
The Maison des Têtes (the house of heads), which marks the transition from Flamboyant Gothic to Renaissance, owes its name to the many heads adorning its facade. There are sculptures symbolising the wind, fortune, and time, as well as theology, law, and medicine, while the corridor is lined with busts of Roman emperors. Under the arcade of the inner courtyard are medallions featuring the Church Fathers.
Address: 57 Grande Rue, 26000 Valence
The Cathedral of St. Apollinaire
Little remains of the original edifice, which was built in around the 11th or 12th century and combines features of the Romanesque architecture of the Massif Central and the Rhone Valley. The main causes of its destruction were religious wars, pillaging, and fires. Significant restoration took place in the 17th century, maintaining the Romanesque style, and further modifications were carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Address: Place des Ormeaux, 26000 Valence
More information: http://www.valence.cef.fr/-Cathedrale-Saint-Apollinaire-.html
Le Pendentif
This triumphal arch in the Cathedral cloister, built of molasse stone in 1548, is known for the perfection of its vault, and is in fact a funerary monument to Canon Mistral, who came from a rich merchant family. The monument, which was intended to be a ground level chapel with a vault below, once had a more splendid appearance, with stained glass, large windows and wrought iron railings. Sadly, the site was destroyed and its treasures looted during the Wars of Religion.
Address: Place du Pendentif, 26000 Valence
More information: http://www.valence.cef.fr/-Cathedrale-Saint-Apollinaire-.html
The Peynet Bandstand
The first bandstand on the Champ-de-Mars dates back to 1862, but it was the artist Raymond Peynet who made it famous in 1942, when he immortalised it by depicting the love of a young musician and a dainty young lady. The “Lovers” came to be seen the world over and adorned a whole host of objects. The structure has been a listed historic monument since 1982, and has been fully restored to the original 1860 version.
Parc Jouvet
The Parc Jouvet, a seven-hectare green lung right in the heart of Valence at the end of the Champ-de-Mars, is the finest urban park in the Rhone Valley, with a magnificent view of the Château de Crussol and the Vivarais mountains. Over time, the park has been enhanced with greenhouses, a pavilion, works of art, and other major monuments. With its monumental fountain, rose garden, canals, petting zoo and 700 tree species, today this “emerald of the city” is a delight for everyone.
The Maison des Têtes
The Maison des Têtes (the house of heads), which marks the transition from Flamboyant Gothic to Renaissance, owes its name to the many heads adorning its facade. There are sculptures symbolising the wind, fortune, and time, as well as theology, law, and medicine, while the corridor is lined with busts of Roman emperors. Under the arcade of the inner courtyard are medallions featuring the Church Fathers.
The Cathedral of St. Apollinaire
Little remains of the original edifice, which was built in around the 11th or 12th century and combines features of the Romanesque architecture of the Massif Central and the Rhone Valley. The main causes of its destruction were religious wars, pillaging, and fires. Significant restoration took place in the 17th century, maintaining the Romanesque style, and further modifications were carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Le Pendentif
This triumphal arch in the Cathedral cloister, built of molasse stone in 1548, is known for the perfection of its vault, and is in fact a funerary monument to Canon Mistral, who came from a rich merchant family. The monument, which was intended to be a ground level chapel with a vault below, once had a more splendid appearance, with stained glass, large windows and wrought iron railings. Sadly, the site was destroyed and its treasures looted during the Wars of Religion.