Valenciennes, town in northern France, in Nord Department, on the Schelde River, also called the Escaut, near the border with Belgium. It is located in the Pas du Nord coalfield and is an important industrial center. Manufactures include iron and steel, textiles, and machinery. The University of Valenciennes and Hainaut-Cambresis (1969) is here. Valenciennes developed as a lace-making center in the 15th century and became one of France's leading metallurgical centers in the 19th century. It was badly damaged in both world wars. Population (1999) 41,278.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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