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Since the 1920s, Valence and the surrounding area have welcomed an important population of Armenian origin, marked by the tragic events of genocide and exile, as well as the difficulties of immigration. This exceptionally dynamic population has integrated perfectly into the life of the town to which it has added its particularity thanks to the presence of a number of associations and the maintain of strong traditions. The reference of identities, traditions and memories form the heritage of the Armenians of Valence .
It is for this reason that the town of Valence created the Armenian Heritage Centre in 2005, included in the Valence Agglo Sud Rhône-Alpes since January 1rst 2010.
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VALENCE |
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Dominating the Rhone, Valentia the « vigorous » is located in a privileged site on three alluvial terraces. It entered into history with the Roman conquest.
In 121 BC, the great battle which opposed the Roman legions to the Gaul coalition opened the way to the conquest. Valentia, the advanced sentinel of Romanisation became a place of strategic war at the crossroads of the major communication paths.
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Whereas the lower town featured a port and arsenal, the medieval town remained enclosed within the ramparts of the Late Empire, reinforced in 1570 under Charles IX. Despite this withdrawal of the town within its walls, the destiny of Valence, remains linked to the Rhone. A major trading route and also the border between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire until the 15 th century .
The creation of a university in 1452 contributed to the intellectual awakening of the city.
In the 16 th century, its military functions developed with the construction of a citadel. Numerous town houses and bourgeois residences appeared inside the ramparts. The « Maison des Têtes » a finial of this architecture is remarkable due to the abundant and ornate decor carved in the stone.
The major turning point came about in the 17th century when Valence witnessed the growth of a multitude of religious orders. The city thus confirmed its religious, administrative and legal functions to the detriment of its commerce. The historic centre of Valence has kept its medieval aspect with its narrow streets up to the present day.
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It was the 19th century before the town finally broke out from its ramparts, replaced by the boulevards as of 1860. Valence then fanned out around the old centre.
In the 20 th century, while the Valence of tomorrow developed on the upper terraces, the city of yesterday “with its Roman memories” has not been forgotten and has undergone a welcomed renovation. While hanging onto its past the town is smiling on its future. |
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THE BUILDING |
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The Armenian Heritage Centre is located in the old Law Faculty in the heart of the pedestrian precinct of Valence and within the proximity of the historical area of the town‘s inhabitants of Armenian origin (rue Bouffier, d’Arménie, Belle Image). The ground floor of the building was refurbished by the Brunel-Tezier Agency. The original architecture and in particular the outside walls, were conserved. The premises have a surface area of 400m² thanks to a mezzanine. . ...
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION |
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Opening hours
From Tuesday to Sunday from 14h30 to 18h30
Closed from 15th to 31st August and from 25th December to 6th January included.
Closed on 1 st May, 1 st and 11 th November.
Groups are received on reservation during opening hours as well as from Tuesday to Friday from 9h to 12h30.
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Rates
Free visits :
• Full rates = 3 €
• Reduced rates = 2 € (Association des Amis du CPA and students) *
• Free for the unemployed and under 18s *
• Annual ticket * : 8 €
* On presentation of proof
Guided tours (including entrance charges) every Sunday at 3PM :
• Full rates = 4 €
• Reduced rates = 3 € (Association des Amis du CPA and students) *
• Special rates = 2 € (unemployed) *
• Free for under 18s *
* On presentation of proof
Audioguides :
• English, french and armenian langages are available
• Free and on demand at the reception
• Download possible on http://www.drometourisme.com
Guided tours for groups with inscriptions (including entrance charges) :
• Groups of 15 to 19 people
= 4 € / personn
• Groups of 20 to 30 people
= 80 € (forfait)
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THE ARMENIAN HERITAGE CENTRE MISSIONS |
A CULTURAL SERVICE |
THE ARMENIAN HERITAGE CENTRE TEAM |
The Armenian Heritage Centre, an area of living history designed for the general public, comprises a research centre, an audiovisual room and an area for temporary exhibitions. Numerous activities are proposed for visitors :
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The Armenian Heritage Centre is run by the cultural service of Valence Agglo Sud Rhône-Alpes which also comprises :
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The Art and History heritage department
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The network of libraries
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The Regional School of Arts
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The Museum of arts and archaeology
The National School of Music and Dance The Train-theatre and the Train-cinema in Portes-les-Valence
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Laure Piaton
Manager
contact...
Laurence Vézirian
Animation-communication
contact...
Reception and administration
contact...
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