The Royal Hainaut is one of the most beautiful hotels in Northern Europe. A former hospice built in the time of Louis XV, it has been transformed into a spectacular luxury complex. Both a business hotel and a romantic destination, it alone justifies a stay in Valenciennes.
How can one fail to be impressed when discovering the Cour d’honneur and the 13-metre high glass lobby, as high as the Louvre pyramid ? From the very first glance, you are captivated by this monumental building, superbly restored with respect for the site and the centuries that have passed. In the Hauts-de-France region, people have been aiming high, far and for a long time ! The Royal Hainaut was the largest private renovation project of a listed building in France.
A titanic project to magnify a historical treasure
A military hospital intended for “the poor, the lost and the sick”, this former hospice built in the 18th century has endured the ravages of time. It closed permanently in 2009, because it was no longer decent to accommodate the sick.
“It was Jean-Louis Borloo’s strategy to transform a site that had been unoccupied for more than twenty years into a very high-end hotel that the city of Valenciennes was lacking. Living together” is the original feature of the Royal Hainaut. This hotel complex also houses the headquarters of Valenciennes Métropole as well as private flats and student accommodation. This development embodies the renewal of the Valenciennes region, a city with a mining past, which today is home to major companies such as Toyota, Alstom and Bombardier”, emphasises Didier Joveniaux, President of Valenciennes Tourism and Conventions, who was himself a nurse in this former hospital.
Memories, memories…
Conceived in 2009, the rehabilitation began in 2013 under the direction of MAES Architectures Urbanistes. It was a winning bet for Xavier Lucas, the CEO of Vauban Financial, which specialises in the renovation of prestigious old buildings, and which financed this extraordinary operation.
Ten years of work, 52,000 m2 of renovated surface area, 250 people on site full time. The technical prowess of the engineers and the craftsmanship of the workers magnify 450 vaults in blue stone from Hainaut and 300 imposing windows. The roof has been restored to its original state, with 11,000 m2 of slate roofs that have their dormer windows back, just as they were in 1752 !
A cocooning atmosphere in a hyper contemporary spirit
The large glass roof that envelops the atrium makes it a warm and luminous place where it is pleasant to stroll and have a drink. It is “the place to be” for business meetings, but also for romantic tête-à-tête.
The magnificent blue stones of Hainaut are the omnipresent stars of this building with exceptional volumes.
Interior designer Séverine Lucas has warmed up the atmosphere with large chandeliers, sculptures, cream leather sofas, soft carpets, lamps and candles, a large table with fresh flowers. No big, bulky furniture. The space is uncluttered, highlighting the fascinating architecture. The atmosphere is cocooning in a hyper contemporary spirit.
At Royal Bar, you can browse through the menu of top-of-the-range spirits and enjoy a quiet moment between the pool table, the fireplace and the library.
The restaurant La Galerie lives up to its name. It is a long gallery with portraits of monarchs and ice cream on the walls. You sink into the red upholstered benches to taste regional products at low prices: Lucullus de Valenciennes, fish waterzooï and vegetable tian.
More intimate, La Storia invites you to try Italian gastronomy.
The chapel has been “desacralized” to make it a concert venue, but also a large reception room, notably for seminars and weddings.
Of course, these places of life are open to all, inhabitants, travellers, gourmets…
Majestic rooms, a bewitching swimming pool
The rooms are all spacious, even under the roof. They have been designed in a “minimalist chic” style in beige, taupe and off-white tones, with polished aluminium furniture, headboards with paintings and large drapes on the windows. The “Duplex Suites” are spread over two levels, under the vaults, with a superb view of the Cour d’honneur. The furniture is deliberately large, heavy and comfortable: this gives a feeling of cocoon in a large space.
The Royal Family Suite is a luxurious flat of 120 m2, consisting of two bedrooms, a living room and a dining room, which awaits the arrival of Charles III !
In the basement, the 1,200 m2 Spa offers massages under the aegis of the Omnisens brand, a brand based on natural ingredients and without parabens. The hammam and sauna contribute to this wellness interlude.
The long and graceful swimming pool, under the vaults, is an enchantment. Dimmed lights, reflections of the stones in the water: you swim in the middle of eight pillars of the famous blue stone of Hainaut. A magical moment! It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hotel pools in France.
The Royal Hainaut is undoubtedly a jewel of the French hotel industry that justifies a stay in the Valenciennes region.
Why not go there ?
Royal Hainaut Spa & Resort Hotel
6, place de l’Hôpital Général
59 300 Valenciennes
Tel: 33 3 27 35 15 15
Room from €146
Epicurean break for two : €388
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Featured photo : © Le Royal Hainaut Spa & Resort Hotel
