VALENCIENNES, an ancient, strong, and considerable city of France, in the department of the North and late province of Hainault. It contains about 20,000 souls. The Scheld divides it into two parts. It is a very important place: the citadel and fortifications, the work of Vauban, were constructed by order of Louis XIV. who took this town from the Spaniards. It was confirmed to him by the treaty of Nimeguen, in 1678. In 1793, it surrendered to the allies after a severe siege, but was afterwards abandoned; and is now in the possession of the French republicans. Besides lace, this city is noted for manufactories of woollen stuffs and very fine linens. It is 20 miles west-south-west of Mons, 17 north-east of Cambrai, and 120 north-east by north of Paris. E. Long. 3. 37. N. Lat. 50. 21.