Historic and Religious Heritage of Troyes
Troyes is home to an exceptional religious heritage. It bears witness to its rich medieval past. The city has several major buildings that deserve your visit.
Saint Madeleine Church is one of the oldest historical monuments. Its Gothic architecture is impressive. You'll see an ancient rood screen and Renaissance stained glass windows of great beauty. The Saint Urban Basilica is another Gothic masterpiece. It was built in 1260 by order of Pope Urban IV. It's considered one of the most perfect Gothic architectures in the world. Its architectural details fascinate visitors. The Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece. Its immaculate white facade leaves no one indifferent. Its single tower dominates the city. The interior surprises with its dimensions. It contains 1,500 m² of stained glass, some dating back to the 13th century. Saint Pantaleon Church is located in the old Vauluisant district. It houses a remarkable wooden framework. You can also see a collection of 16th-century Troyes sculptures there. Some are the work of Dominique le Florentin. Saint Nizier Church features glazed tiles. They're reminiscent of Burgundian buildings. The "Heart of Troyes" (Cœur de Troyes), a metal sculpture, symbolizes the city center. It's located at Quai de Dampierre. This work lights up in red at night. It features water jets during the summer.
Saint Madeleine Church
This church is among the oldest monuments. Its Gothic architecture is impressive. It stands out with a remarkable ancient rood screen and Renaissance stained glass windows.
Free visit
Audioguide: €2
Saint Urban Basilica
The Saint Urban Basilica is a Gothic masterpiece. It was built in 1260 by order of Pope Urban IV. It's considered one of the three most perfect Gothic architectures in the world.
High season: 10am-12:30pm and 2pm-7pm
Low season: 9:30am-12:30pm and 2pm-5pm on weekdays
Picturesque Alleys of Troyes
Strolling through the alleys of the historic center is an authentic experience. You'll discover architectural treasures and a preserved medieval atmosphere.
The ruelle des Chats is one of the most authentic experiences in Troyes. This narrow medieval path was renamed in 1783. Its half-timbered houses get closer at the roof level. Cats could once jump from one side to the other. This alley offers a preserved medieval atmosphere. It instantly transports you back in time. The half-timbered facades lean toward each other, creating a narrow passage where light filters in delicately. This unique architectural layout offers great photo opportunities. The historic center is full of other typical alleys. You can wander freely through these paved passages. You'll discover hidden inner courtyards. Traditional Champagne architecture is what the city is famous for. Troyes has one of the largest collections of half-timbered houses in Europe. Most of them date from the Renaissance. They're colored yellow or red. Their exposed beams often reveal carvings. Their beautiful overhangs protected the cob walls from the weather. Around the Place du marché au pain, you'll find the Cour du mortier d'or, a superb enclosed courtyard.
Ruelle des Chats, Visiting Tips
The ruelle des Chats is famous for its legend. The half-timbered houses lean so close together at the roofs that cats could jump from one side to the other. It's a perfect street for photography.
Key Features
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds
- Enjoy ideal light for your photos
- Observe the architectural details of the houses
Saint-Jean District and the Halles
The Saint-Jean district was the liveliest part of Troyes in the Middle Ages. It was the hub for commercial activities. The Champagne Fairs ensured the city's growth starting in the 12th century. The rue de la Montée au Change, for example, was where money changers swapped currencies. It's also in this district that hosiery manufacturing developed. The Halles district is another shopping heart. You'll find many specialties there.
Cité District, Around the Cathedral
The Cité is the historic birthplace of Troyes. It was surrounded by the Seine. Napoleon had basins dug to facilitate navigation. Power was concentrated in these streets, guarded by ramparts. The round turret of the Hôtel du Petit Louvre remains, rebuilt on the vestiges of the old walls. The Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral is located in this district. Around it, several major museums are housed in historic buildings.
Museums and Cultural Collections in Troyes
Troyes' museums offer a fascinating dive into the artistic and artisanal history of the region. You'll discover exceptional collections.
The Saint-Loup Museum houses a fine arts and archaeology collection. You'll see French, Dutch, and Italian paintings. The archaeology section features pieces from prehistory to the Merovingian era. The Maison de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière (MOPO) is located in the Hôtel Mauroy. It preserves 12,000 artisanal tools from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This institution also has a technical library of 32,000 volumes. The Cité du Vitrail is located in the Hôtel-Dieu-Le-Comte. It offers a permanent exhibition of stained glass covering nine centuries of art. The Museum of Modern Art covers the 19th and 20th centuries. It features canvases by André Derain and glasswork by Maurice Marinot. The museum garden contains contemporary sculptures. The Hôtel de Vauluisant houses two museums. The Museum of Champagne Art presents 16th-century paintings, sculptures, and stained glass. The Hosiery Museum traces the history of the textile industry. The Apothecary is another site mentioned.
Saint-Loup Museum
The Saint-Loup Museum has a collection of fine arts and archaeology. You'll find French, Dutch, and Italian paintings there. Works by Watteau and Champaigne are present. The archaeology section features pieces from prehistory to the Merovingian era.
Maison de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière
The Maison de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière (MOPO) is one of the largest tool museums in the world. It displays 12,000 artisanal tools made between the 17th and 19th centuries. The institution also has a technical library of 32,000 volumes.
Every day: 10am-6pm
€8 (€4 for students and under 18s)
Hôtel de Vauluisant
The Renaissance stone facade of the Hôtel de Vauluisant stands out. It houses the Museum of Champagne Art. This museum displays 16th-century paintings, sculptures, and stained glass. You'll also find the Hosiery Museum there.
Every day in winter: 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm
Free during winter, otherwise €5 (free for under 25s)
Nature Activities Around Troyes
The surroundings of Troyes offer many possibilities for nature lovers. From lakes to forests, there's no shortage of activities.
The Orient Forest Regional Natural Park was created in 1970. It covers 80,000 hectares. It houses 5,000 hectares of water reserves. Its three large lakes (Amance, Orient, and Temple) are among the largest in Europe. They are ideal for water activities. You can enjoy the developed beaches for swimming. The park also offers kayaking, sailing, and canoeing. The Parc des Moulins is a 20-hectare green lung. It was formed by joining old private properties. It offers a tree trail, large lawns for fun, and picnic areas. You can learn about beekeeping there and observe the biodiversity.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Montgolfière Évasion offers a 3-hour adventure. It includes a 1-hour flight over the city. You'll discover a panoramic view of the Orient Forest and its three lakes. You'll also see the Seine valley and the monuments of Troyes.
€155 per person
06 08 47 47 46 to book
Water Activities at the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park
The Orient Forest Regional Park covers 80,000 hectares. Its three large lakes are among the largest in Europe. You can swim at the developed beaches. The Maison du Canoë offers boat rentals to explore the Seine.
Full-day canoe rental: €25
Half-day canoe rental: €20 adult, €15 child
Guided Tours and Participatory Tourism in Troyes
To discover the secrets of Troyes, several guided tour options are available. They offer an authentic and personalized approach to the city.
Guided tours of Troyes offer an authentic approach. The Troyes Aube Greeters concept stands out. Since 2011, this association has been offering free meetings with locals. They share their intimate knowledge of Troyes. Each visit adapts to your interests. Greeters are not professional guides. They are residents who love their city. You explore Troyes through the eyes of a local. The Tourist Office also offers themed guided tours. These group tours cover different aspects of the city. They deal with religious heritage, medieval architecture, or the history of textiles. You can also rent an audioguide from the Tourist Office. It accompanies you to more than thirty sites. For an active discovery, the Hall aux vélos offers bike rentals. An audioguide is included with the Troyes Pass. This transforms your ride into an interactive guided tour. Marcel bikes, with electric assistance, are self-service.
Troyes Aube Greeters
These are free meetings with passionate locals. They have been sharing their knowledge of Troyes since 2011. Each visit is personalized. It's a participatory tourism movement. It transforms your stay into a real cultural exchange.
Tourist Office, Tours, and Audioguide
The Tourist Office offers themed guided tours. It also offers an audioguide to walk around freely. This audioguide covers more than 30 sites in the city center.
Audioguide: €7
Troyes Pass and Practical Information
The Troyes Pass is a good way to optimize your stay. It allows you to discover the city at a lower cost. The Tourist Office is an essential point of contact for all your questions.
The Troyes Pass represents a smart investment. For only €12 per person, you get a magic key. This pass opens the doors to many major sites in Troyes. It offers free access and preferential rates. Guided tours are included. It's valid from April to December. You can get your Troyes Pass at the Tourist Office. The staff will advise you on the best use of the pass.
Advantages of the Troyes Pass
This tourist pass gives you free access to several iconic monuments and museums. It also offers preferential rates on other attractions. Guided tours are included in the package. Its validity is extended from April to December.
€12 per person
Valid from April to December
Tourist Office, Address, and Hours
The Tourist Office is the place to get your Troyes Pass. It's also an information point for all your questions about the city.
16 Rue Aristide Briand, 10,000 Troyes
Monday to Saturday: 9:30am-12:30pm and 2pm-6pm
Sunday: 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm
+33 (0)3 25 82 62 70
Shopping in Troyes
Troyes is a major shopping destination thanks to its textile heritage. The city is home to two major shopping centers and independent boutiques.
Troyes has established itself as a shopping destination. The city is home to two major shopping centers. They attract bargain hunters. Mc Arthur Glen brings together about 106 boutiques. They are dedicated to fashion, DIY, art, and fine groceries. You'll find discounts there all year round. Marques Avenue has been established since 1993. It offers 120 boutiques. Well-known brands like Levi's, Le Coq Sportif, or Olympia are present. These two centers embody the textile industrial history of Troyes. They offer a modern shopping experience. You'll also find small independent boutiques. The record store "The Message" and "Le Local," a designer boutique, are great examples.
Mc Arthur Glen Shopping Center
This shopping center brings together 106 boutiques. It offers fashion, DIY, art, and fine groceries. You'll enjoy attractive discounts.
Voie du Bois, 10,150 Pont Sainte-Marie
Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 10am-8pm
Sunday: 10am-6pm
Marques Avenue Outlet Store
Marques Avenue is a large outlet store. It offers 120 boutiques with major brands. You can find items at discounted prices there. It has been established since 1993.
114 boulevard de Dijon, 10,800 Saint Julien les Villas
Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm
Saturday: 9:30am-7pm
Local Gastronomy and Champagne Vineyards
Your discovery of Troyes includes its local gastronomy. The city highlights Champagne terroir products. The surrounding vineyard also offers champagne tastings.
You can't visit Troyes without tasting Chaource. It's a soft-ripened cheese with a bloomy rind. It has been produced in the Aube for centuries. The andouillette de Troyes is another specialty. It's eaten grilled or in a casserole. The sauerkraut from Brienne-le-Château is also a local surprise. Maison Pascal Caffet is known for its chocolate creations. The Aube is the second-largest producer of champagne in France. The Champagne des Devaux vineyard spans 1,800 hectares in Bar-Sur-Seine. Tastings adapt to all budgets. The region also features cider from the pays d'Othe. Prunelle de Troyes is a liqueur made since 1840. It's based on blackthorn pits.
Local Culinary Specialties
Chaource is a creamy cheese with a delicate taste. It can be enjoyed on its own or with farmhouse bread. The andouillette de Troyes is iconic. The sauerkraut from Brienne-le-Château comes from an Alsatian tradition. Prunelle de Troyes is a local liqueur. It's consumed as a digestif or in a cocktail.
Key Features
- Chaource (cheese)
- Andouillette de Troyes
- Sauerkraut from Brienne-le-Château
- Pascal Caffet (chocolate)
- Cider from the pays d'Othe
- Prunelle de Troyes
Champagne Tasting
Troyes is the second-largest producer of champagne in France. The Champagne des Devaux vineyard welcomes you. You'll discover the region's terroirs. Tastings adapt to all budgets.
Champagne des Devaux Vineyard: Hameau de Villeneuve, 10,110 Bar-Sur-Seine
October to mid-April: Monday to Saturday, 10am-6pm
Mid-April to late September: Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm
Wines: €22 to €140
Wine tourism activities: €0 to €65
Restaurant Selection
Troyes is full of restaurants. Flexi Troyen offers vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Simone prioritizes homemade and local sourcing. Le Petit Basson offers bistro cuisine focused on plants. Le Papillon offers creative dishes around seasonal vegetables. Le Quai de Champagne offers refined cuisine on the banks of the Seine. At Claire & Hugo, the menu changes every two weeks. Le Jardin offers regional products served generously. To Tzaki offers Greek cuisine. Caffè Cosi - La Trattoria de Bruno Caironi offers Italian flavors. Fuji sushi is an option for sushi lovers. The Halles market and the bar Aux Crieurs de vin are other great spots.
Key Features
- Flexi Troyen (vegetarian, gluten-free)
- Simone (homemade, short circuits)
- Le Petit Basson (locavore, plant-based)
- Le Papillon (creative, seasonal vegetables)
- Le Quai de Champagne (refined, local products)
- Claire & Hugo (bistro, bakery-grocery)
- Le Jardin (regional products, andouillette with Chaource)
- To Tzaki (Greek, Mediterranean)
- Caffè Cosi - La Trattoria de Bruno Caironi (Italian)
- Fuji sushi (sushi)
Flexi Troyen: 9 Ruelle des Chats
Flexi Troyen: average price €10
Simone: 1 Rue Pithou
Le Petit Basson: 4, rue de la Madeleine
Le Papillon: 9 ruelle des Chats
Le Quai de Champagne: 1bis quai des Comtes de Champagne
Claire & Hugo: 77 avenue du Général Gallieni, Sainte-Savine
Le Jardin: 31 rue Paillot de Montabert
To Tzaki: Rue Viardin
Fuji sushi: rue des Quinze-Vingts
Accommodation and Cultural Infrastructure
Troyes offers a range of accommodations for all tastes. The city also has cultural infrastructures for entertaining evenings.
La Licorne Hôtel & Spa is a former 16th-century college. It's transformed into a 5-star boutique hotel. La Maison de Rhodes offers 11 luxurious rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. Hôtel de la Poste, a 4-star establishment, houses a Nuxe spa. The Théâtre des Champagnes, built in 1903, hosts a rich program. It offers varied shows for all audiences. Le Troyes Fois Plus is a lively café-theater. It offers concerts, dance after-parties, and varied shows. It's a place of life for locals and visitors alike.
Hotel Selection
La Licorne Hôtel & Spa is a 5-star hotel. It offers 54 rooms and suites. La Maison de Rhodes, a 5-star hotel, offers a wellness area and a swimming pool. Hôtel de la Poste, 4 stars, is known for its equestrian atmosphere.
Key Features
- La Licorne Hôtel & Spa (5 stars)
- La Maison de Rhodes (5 stars)
- Hôtel de la Poste (4 stars)
La Licorne Hôtel & Spa: 20 bis quai de Dampierre, Troyes
La Licorne Hôtel & Spa: from €281 per night
La Maison de Rhodes: from €330 per night
Hôtel de la Poste: from €160 per night
Theaters and Shows
The Théâtre des Champagnes hosts a rich program. It offers concerts, plays, and musicals. Le Troyes Fois Plus is a café-theater with various shows. It mixes today's and tomorrow's talents.
Key Features
- Théâtre des Champagnes
- Le Troyes Fois Plus (café-theater)
Théâtre des Champagnes: 1,080 people
Le Troyes Fois Plus: 10 rue Louis Ulbach, Troyes