Valenciennes , city (1990 pop. 39,276), Nord dept., N France, on the Escaut (Scheldt) River. An old-line industry center in a former coal-mining region, its manufactures include railroad rolling stock, motor vehicles, paint, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and precision metalwork. An important place in medieval Hainaut , it became famous (15th cent.) for its lace industry. There is a museum there with works by Rubens and Van Dyck. Author not available, VALENCIENNES. , The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition 2007 ... Read more