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Troyes

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Aube

Troyes - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Aube
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This beautiful town in the Grand Est region charms large numbers of visitors who flock to the historic capital of southern Champagne. Its historic centre is distinguished by its champagne cork shape, a characteristic that Troyes owes to the ancient ramparts that once protected the town.

Stroll between the traditional, magnificent half-timbered buildings whose walls come in a beautiful palette of red, yellow, white... Between these charming dwellings are secret passages and narrow cobbled streets, like the famous Ruelle des Chats, offering delightful urban walks. For instance, we recommend a wander along the promenade by the Seine, where you can admire elegant statues like the Heart of Troyes. The latter stands 3.5 metres tall and is surrounded by imposing water jets. Other ancient sculptures and windows adorning the monuments bear witness to the important legacy of the master glassmakers and sculptors from the School of Troyes. The Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, 114 metres long, is illustrious proof of this: it represents all the styles of the Gothic art and is adorned with 182 stained glass windows, or 1,500 m² of magnificent glass from the 13th to 19th centuries, bathing its interior in exceptional light!

The architectural opulence of Troyes' town centre immerses us in its glorious past, particularly that of the textile industries: the old factories clad in red bricks have kept their original façades and have now been converted into housing. This aesthetic combining various materials such as cast iron and glass echoes that of Troyes' covered market, inspired by the Halles de Paris. The outside walls are adorned with columns, each one featuring a cast iron lion's head, and the whole complex is covered by a huge metal roof frame. It is well worth stepping inside this immense building erected in 1876, to stock up on local produce at the market!

The city also has cultural visitor attractions such as the Museum of Tools and Workers' Thought, containing a vast collection of old hand tools. A fine example of the region's craftsmanship! Other places such as the Saint-Loup Museum, dedicated to Fine Arts, archaeology and natural history; the Historical Museum of Troyes and Champagne and the Hosiery Museum, both housed in the elegant Vauluisant mansion; and the Museum of Modern Art in the former episcopal palace make for a wonderful visitor experience.

Finally, to complement this urban tour, enjoy an outing in the surrounding area by travelling along the Greenway. On foot or by bike, it will take you straight to the countryside around Troyes, from the middle of the forested areas to the surrounding lakes, including the famous Lake Orient (Lac d'Orient). Shopaholics and bargain-hunters will enjoy a trip to one of the town's many factory outlet stores.

Additional information
Troyes

City of Art and History, Troyes is at the heart of the Greater East region in the Aube, 1h30 from Paris and Dijon and 1:15 south of Reims.

historic capital of Champagne, the city of Troyes was inhabited since the Roman times, as evidenced by some remains dating from the first century BC Having experienced many attacks over the following centuries, the city reached its peak in the course of the twelfth century by becoming the property of the counts of Champagne. It develops in this period its textile business, which lasted until the twentieth century.

Today Troyes became the capital of factory outlets and unveils its visitors an important cultural and architectural heritage. Its medieval and Renaissance center and museums annually attract large numbers of tourists eager to dive into the past of this city with rich history.

Things to see and do

The historic center of Troyes is surely a favorite visitor sites. One can admire a large number of medieval houses with wood sides and shimmering colors. We discover the narrowest street in the city, the Ruelle des Chats, which takes its name from the fact that a cat can move from side to side of the street because the houses touching the roofs. Do not miss the Emile Zola street reveals a major business activity.

Troyes hosts within it a large number of old mansions, starting with City Hall. Ranked historic monument, it was built in the seventeenth century, and reveals a beautiful statue of helmeted Minerva. Today university in the city center, the Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte was led to the French Revolution by the Sisters of the Order of St. Augustine. The building will host the City of Stained Glass on 3000 m² since 2021. Troyes is indeed one of the richest European cities in terms of windows, with the presence of nearly 9,000 m² of windows of all eras. Finally, we appreciate the beauty of the hotels Marisy, Mauroy and Petit Louvre, classified as an historic monument, and the hotel department, listed historic monument.

Classified historic monument too, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul was built between the thirteenth and seventeenth century. Gothic style, it has the distinction of not a single tower. Inside, one can enjoy some of the finest stained glass in France, like those of the choir dating from the thirteenth century and represent the victory of the New Testament on the Old. Three other churches in the city, also classified, worth a visit. The Church of St. Nizier sixteenth century also reveals exceptional stained glass and gothic style, while the Sainte-Madeleine Church is the oldest religious building in Troyes. Gothic building of the thirteenth century, the basilica Saint-Urbain is the work of Pope Urban IV, a native of the city.

Rich in cultural life, the city of Troyes no shortage of various museums and varied, like the Museum of Modern Art (reopening late 2020 / early 2021). Considered one of the richest in France, it takes place in the former Episcopal palace of the commune. We discover works from the second half of the nineteenth century until 1960. The collection of Art Deco glass is particularly remarkable. We also appreciate the museum Vauluisant composed Historical Museum Troyes and Champagne and the Museum of hosiery. Located in the former abbey of the same name, Saint-Loup museum highlights the fine arts, archeology and natural history. Housed in the mansion Mauroy, a Renaissance building, the House of Tools and Thought Workers reveals in turn a collection of over 12,000 tools shaping the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Not far from Troyes, lovers of greenery and botanical enjoy the Regional Natural Park of the Orient forest, one of the first parks created in France.

Dawn is the second largest producer of champagne department after the Marne. The coast of Bar, located a half hour drive Troyes, provides the largest contingent of the grape, but it also produces champagne on the hill overlooking Troyes at Montgueux.

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments
Performance halls
Transport

Events and festivities

Several weekly markets take place at Troyes, between Monday and Sunday depending on the neighborhood.

The craftsmen's fair showcases all the know-how of the region and the country in February.

Considered one of the biggest funfairs in France, the March fair unveils its rides and other activities five weeks before Easter.

In April, the short film festival allows you to attend screenings and cinematographic meetings.

At the end of May-beginning of June, the traditional Champagne Fairs invade the Cube - Troyes Champagne Expo.

During the summer, from June 21 to early August, the Ville en Musiques festival offers free concerts every weekend.

October is an important month at Troyes with in particular the Nuits de Champagne festival and its concerts, the children's book fair, and the autumn flea market.

In November, rock festival Nos Rêves Font Du Bruit.

In December, the Enchanted Bubbles take place in front of the Town Hall.

Photos

Hotel du Petit Louvre
Hotel du Petit Louvre
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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The Heart of Troyes from the duo Kayo-Houël
The Heart of Troyes from the duo Kayo-Houël
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Lili on the quays, by sculptor András Lapis
Lili on the quays, by sculptor András Lapis
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Lili by sculptor András Lapis
Lili by sculptor András Lapis
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Troyes (© Frantz)
Troyes (© Frantz)
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Rue Champeaux (© Five Pizza)
Rue Champeaux (© Five Pizza)
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Half-timbered wood
Half-timbered wood
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Cat Alley
Cat Alley
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Half-timbered facades
Half-timbered facades
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Prefecture Basin
Prefecture Basin
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Station Bridge
Station Bridge
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The canal in the city center
The canal in the city center
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Av. Chomedey de Maisonneuve
Av. Chomedey de Maisonneuve
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The canal
The canal
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Bank of the Seine - Lock
Bank of the Seine - Lock
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Bank of the Seine
Bank of the Seine
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Prefecture Basin
Prefecture Basin
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Square in front of the Town Hall
Square in front of the Town Hall
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Paris line-Troyes
Paris line-Troyes
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Troyes - SNCF bridge
Troyes - SNCF bridge
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Old Roman bridge
Old Roman bridge
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Station district - Place Patton
Station district - Place Patton
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Square in front of the Town Hall
Square in front of the Town Hall
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Prefecture Gardens
Prefecture Gardens
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Arm of the Seine
Arm of the Seine
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Avenue Pierre Brossolette
Avenue Pierre Brossolette
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Near the train station
Near the train station
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Direction Paris
Direction Paris
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Troyes station
Troyes station
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Troyes - Parade of July 13, 2017
Troyes - Parade of July 13, 2017
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Christmas at Troyes - Rue Emile Zola
Christmas at Troyes - Rue Emile Zola
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Troyes - Christmas 2023
Troyes - Christmas 2023
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Visits, leisure and activities nearby

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Vacation rentals

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