Troyes is one of the most alluring, charming medieval French towns I’ve ever visited. It’s big too and its easy to spend at least a couple of days wandering around, in and out of old buildings, museums, churches and discovering the history of this most amazing place.
Ten Great reasons to visit Troyes
You can read more about Troyes here but here in photos are some truly exceptional reasons why Troyes should be on your bucket list (and that doesn’t include the fact that it’s only 1.5 hours from Paris by train)…
1. Troyes Café culture in the most amazing setting
Troyes is uniquely cork-shaped! It wasn’t planned, it just happened that way as the town was laid out long before Champagne corks were popping. There is a huge choice of places to sit and watch the world go by and enjoy the ambience of this friendly, beautiful town.
2. La Ruelle des Chats, Troyes
The Cats Alley is a quaint and picturesque street in Troyes. Why this name? Because the roofs of the houses in this street are so close that cats could easily pass from one side to the other, from one attic to another by simply walking across. The houses in this narrow lean closer, like friends whispering secrets, the higher up they go…
3. Tour de l’Orfevre
The Goldsmith’s Tower, built in the 16th Century by a goldsmith who needed to add room to his tiny premises!
4. Romantic Troyes
This is a place to wander, browse, relax at a cafe or in a bar, enjoy a meal in a restaurant, hold hands and feel the romance of the town…
5. Troyes Boulangeries!
The cake shops of Troyes are renowned for their delicious pastries and cakes not to mention bread… And don’t forget to try the local Brioche au Chaource, made with local creamy Chaource cheese.
6. Gastronomy
However you like your restaurants – traditional, elegant, refined, quirky, modern, there’s a massive choice in Troyes… the art of living and great cuisine blend well here. Local cuisine includes the Troyes andouillette, invented many centuries ago, this famous hand made sausage was enjoyed by Louis XIV and Napoleon.
7. Brioche of Troyes
They’re famous for their brioche here and no wonder, all shapes and sizes but always delicious!
8. Real life Troyes
Although the architecture is ancient, this is no museum town, real life is here, market days, festivals, lots of shops, in fact one of the most well-known factory outlets is close by, favoured by Parisians who want to buy style but at a realistic price…
9. Cultural Troyes
Museums and churches galore, if you are a culture vulture Troyes will certainly push all the right buttons for you! The Vauluisant Museum dating back to the 16th Century is particularly charming.
10. Champagne and wine Troyes
Troyes is the historic Capital of Champagne, the nearest vineyard is about ten kilometres away (Montgueux). Enjoy a glass of Champagne or locally produced wine or the famous rosé des Riceys, so rare you can hardly find it anywhere outside of Champagne…
More on Troyes – the Medieval city of Champagne
In the footsteps of Renoir, who lived close by in Essoyes
Website for Troyes Tourist Office
