Salon de l'Etudiant in Valenciennes: where to stay for the 2026 edition

The Salon de l'Etudiant de Valenciennes 2026 is a one-day higher-education orientation event run by L'Etudiant with backing from the Région académique Hauts-de-France. It takes place on Tuesday 17 November 2026 at the Cité des Congrès from 9:00 to 17:00 and is aimed at secondary and high-school pupils as well as their families and teachers. Across the day visitors can walk through the stands of universities, engineering schools, vocational training centres and other higher-education institutions to learn about programmes, apprenticeships and career outcomes. A free programme of talks is also on offer, led by L'Etudiant journalists and orientation specialists, covering subjects such as Parcoursup, the alternance system, preparatory classes and business schools. Parcoursup is a centrepiece of the fair: more than 26,000 courses are listed on the platform and the event helps untangle the calendar, the choice of wishes and the application file. Extra support material is available, including orientation tests, career and study fact sheets, and tips to plan the visit. Entry is free but requires prior registration, either individually or as a school group. The venue is adapted for visitors with reduced mobility and offers catering and bag-check security on site.