Valenciennes

Valenciennes is a town and commune in northern France in the Nord département on the Scheldt river. While the city and region had seen a steady decline between 1975 and 1990, it has hence rebounded. As of 1999, the commune has a population of 42 343 while the entire urban area numbers 399 677. This renewed growth is particularly notable for Valenciennes, as well as some suburbs.

Administration

Valenciennes is a subprefecture of the Nord département.

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Mayors since 1947

• 1947-1988: Pierre Carous, died in office
• 1988-1989: Olivier Marlière
• 1989-2002: Jean-Louis Borloo, resigned when he entered the national government
• 2002- : Dominique Riquet