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Data Source: Safety, crime, and quality metrics are sourced from Numbeo, a crowd-sourced global database of reported data.
All scores are relative comparisons on a 0-100 scale, where 50 = global average. Higher scores mean better than average, lower scores mean worse than average.
Valence offers a balanced, mid-sized French lifestyle that appeals to those seeking a slower pace without sacrificing essential connectivity. Situated as a gateway between Lyon and the Mediterranean, it provides a high quality of life characterized by reliable healthcare and a functional public transport network. It is an ideal landing spot for professionals who value a sense of security and a manageable urban scale.
However, the transition requires a pragmatic mindset; while the cost of living is more approachable than in major hubs, the expat community is less established, meaning you will need to be more proactive in building your own social circles. It is a city for those who prefer integration over a pre-packaged international bubble.
Population
63,864
Area
3 km²
Density
22,252 per km²
Founded
-
Language
French
Distance to Coast
212 km
Districts & Neighborhoods in Valence
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Climate & Weather in Valence
Valence has a transitional Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa/Cfb border zone) with hot, sunny summers and cool winters influenced by the Rhône Valley. Long-term climate normals show about 12.7°C annual mean temperature, roughly 870-895 mm of rain per year, and around 2,520 sunshine hours annually, indicating a fairly sunny but not dry climate. The current hot, clear weather is consistent with summer heat, though seasonal averages are much milder than today’s temperature.
Summer Average
22°C
Winter Average
4°C
Climate Type
Mediterranean
Rainy Days
100
Sunny Days
250
Humidity
72%
Spring
March - May
10-19°C
Spring is mild and increasingly sunny, with temperatures rising quickly from cool mornings to pleasantly warm afternoons. Rain can still occur, but conditions generally improve through May.
Moderate rainfall
Summer
June - August
19-30°C
Summer is warm to hot and often very sunny, with July and August usually the hottest months. Dry spells are common, although occasional thunderstorms can bring brief heavy rain.
Low rainfall
Autumn
September - November
11-21°C
Autumn is usually mild at first, then becomes cooler and wetter later in the season. This is often one of the rainier periods of the year in the Rhône Valley.
High rainfall
Winter
December - February
1-8°C
Winter is cool and sometimes cold, with occasional frost and windy conditions from the mistral. Snow is possible but not frequent in the city itself.
Moderate rainfall
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Air Quality
Valence
Advantages
Valence
Abundant parks and green spaces
Rich cultural heritage sites
Charming medieval old town
Affordable cost of living
Strong local school network
Peaceful small-city atmosphere
Disadvantages
Valence
No universities locally
Limited coworking spaces
Fewer job opportunities
Quiet nightlife scene
Limited expat community
Safety & Security in Valence
Overall Safety Score
Includes resilience and environmental factors
Moderate
55
/100
France Avg
55
Europe Avg
58
Worldwide Avg
56
Crime & Safety Metrics
Thermometer compares Valence to France averages using different marker styles.Compare:
