Located in northeast France, this medieval town has preserved its 16th-century half-timbered houses and Gothic churches. Its winding cobblestone streets lead to art museums and local cafes.
Troyes, 140 km southeast of Paris, will transport you back to medieval France with its cork-shaped historic center. Walk past bright half-timbered houses from the 16th century, squeeze through the narrow Cats Alley where buildings nearly touch at the roofline, and step into Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral to see sunlight stream through 180 stained glass panels. Stop by a local charcuterie to taste the city's famous andouillette sausage, or spend an afternoon examining centuries-old craftsman's tools at the Maison de l'Outil museum.
Exploring the Medieval Streets
The historic center of Troyes takes the shape of a champagne cork, though this layout existed before the wine industry began. As you walk through the old town, you'll pass hundreds of restored half-timbered houses painted in bright colors, rebuilt in 1524 after a major fire. In the Ruelle des Chats (Cats Alley), the buildings sit so close together that cats once jumped from roof to roof. Today, local shops, cafes, and restaurants occupy many of these medieval buildings.
Gothic Churches and Religious Architecture
The Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral rises above the city skyline, its construction spanning from the 13th to 17th centuries. When you step inside, 180 stained glass windows fill the vast interior with colored light. At Saint-Urbain Basilica, built in 1262, you can see pure Gothic architecture and distinctive polished tile roofing. Visit the Church of Sainte-Madeleine, Troyes' oldest church, to see its stone rood screen from the early 16th century.
Museums and Cultural Sites
At the Museum of Modern Art in the former Episcopal Palace, you'll find works by Degas, Rodin, and other 19th and 20th-century artists. The Maison de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière displays 11,000 antique craftsman's tools inside a Renaissance mansion from 1550 - the world's largest collection of its kind. The Vauluisant Museum tells two stories: the history of Troyes and Champagne-Ardenne, and the development of local hosiery manufacturing.
Local Food and Specialties
Try the local andouillette, a sausage made under strict guidelines to earn the prestigious 5A label. Local charcuteries still prepare it using traditional methods. Sample Chaource cheese, a creamy regional specialty that appears in dishes like Brioche au Chaource. While Troyes sits just outside the Champagne wine region, you can visit the nearest vineyard in Montgueux, 10 kilometers away.
Shopping and Factory Outlets
The city's historical textile industry has evolved into a modern shopping destination, with several factory outlet centers selling designer brands at reduced prices. The McArthurGlen Troyes outlet center draws shoppers from Paris and beyond.
Getting Around
You can reach Troyes from Paris by train in 1.5 hours. The city sits at the intersection of the A5 (Paris-Langres) and A26 (Calais-Troyes) motorways. In the historic center, you can walk between most attractions.
