Comedians born in Valenciennes

On the Scheldt river near the Belgian border, Valenciennes is a city in the Nord department of Hauts-de-France. Once a centre of coal mining and fine lace, it reinvented itself around new industries, including car manufacturing, after the decline of heavy industry. Its fine arts museum holds a notable collection. The city's cultural venues, together with the growing appetite for stand-up across northern France, bring touring comedy within easy reach.