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Troyes

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City
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Troyes (France)
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Practical info — Troyes

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The historic center is famously shaped like a champagne cork; don't miss the 'Ruelle des Chats', a street so narrow the roofs touch.
  • Troyes is known for spectacular stained glass; visit the Sainte-Madeleine church to see its intricate stone rood screen.
  • Parking within the historic 'cork' center is tight; use the larger car parks situated just outside the ring roads.
  • If visiting the famous factory outlet malls outside town, go on a weekday morning to avoid huge weekend crowds.

🍽 Food

🍽
Andouillette de Troyes

A traditional local pork sausage, best enjoyed in a classic brasserie around the pedestrian zone.

🍽
Chaource cheese

A soft, creamy cow's milk cheese from the region. Pick some up at the Les Halles covered market.

🍽
Local Champagne

Try a glass of Champagne from local producers at a wine bar in the historic center.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Factory Outlets

Troyes is famous for its outlet centers like McArthurGlen and Marques Avenue on the outskirts, offering discounted designer brands.

🛍
Les Halles de Troyes

The central indoor market is first-rate for buying regional food products, fresh produce, and local wines.

🧘
Jardin des Innocents

A peaceful, medieval-style garden tucked away next to the Sainte-Madeleine church.

🧘
Canal du Trévois

A pleasant and quiet spot for a stroll or bike ride along the water, just outside the old town.

Highlights of 2026

10

Troyes, the historic capital of the Champagne province in the Aube department, is celebrated for having one of the most perfectly preserved medieval old towns in France. The layout of the historic center uniquely resembles the shape of a champagne cork, earning it the nickname 'Bouchon de Champagne.' Its streets are lined with hundreds of colorful half-timbered houses, most of which were rebuilt in the 16th century following a devastating city-wide fire in 1524. Troyes is also known as the 'City of Stained Glass,' boasting a remarkable collection of Renaissance windows within its ten Gothic churches, including the monumental Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul. Historically, the city was a vital center for the medieval Champagne fairs and later became a global pioneer in the hosiery and knitwear industry during the 19th century. Today, Troyes is recognized as the European capital of brand outlet shopping, drawing millions of visitors annually. This blend of ancient timbered architecture, exquisite sacred art, and modern commercial vitality provides a unique cultural experience in eastern France.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2361014182020161163
Rain mm575153457261606049646068

Live webcam – Troyes

See what it looks like near Troyes right now.

Troyes: Place Alexandre Israël · 0 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
60,785
Coordinates
48.29730, 4.07440

Facts

  • The Great Fire of Troyes on May 24, 1524, destroyed approximately 1,500 timber-framed houses.
  • The city's churches contain a total of over 9,000 square meters of historic stained glass windows.
  • The Knights Templar were officially recognized at the Council of Troyes in 1129.
  • Troyes is the birthplace of the Lacoste brand, founded by René Lacoste in 1933.
  • The Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul remains unfinished, with only one of its two planned towers.
  • The 'Cats Alley' (Ruelle des Chats) is so narrow that the overhanging rooftops of the houses touch each other.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Troyes (15)

Sainte-Madeleine Church⛪ religious

Troyes' oldest church, famous for its magnificent 16th-century stone rood screen, a masterpiece of local Renaissance carving.

Basilica of Saint-Urbain⛪ religious

A masterpiece of radiant Gothic style founded by Pope Urban IV in 1262, known for its elegant proportions and light-filled interior.

Ruelle des Chats🏺 historical

An incredibly narrow medieval alleyway where the timber-framed houses lean towards each other at the top.

The Heart of Troyes🏙 civic

A large steel heart sculpture on the riverside that glows red at night, symbolizing the romantic soul of the historic city.

Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte🏛 museum

A magnificent historic hospital that now houses the Cité du Vitrail and a famous 18th-century apothecary.

Saint-Nizier Church⛪ religious

A Gothic church famous for its colorful glazed tile roof and beautiful Renaissance-era sculptures.

Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville)🏙 civic

An impressive 17th-century Baroque building featuring a statue of Liberty on its main facade.

Saint-Loup Museum🏛 museum

Located in the former Saint-Loup Abbey, it displays fine arts, archaeology, and natural history collections.

Market Hall (Halles de Troyes)🍽 culinary

An animated Baltard-style market where you can find local specialties like andouillette and Chaource cheese.

Vauluisant Museum🏛 museum

Housed in a Renaissance palace, it is dedicated to the history of hosiery and the art of the Troyes region.

Aube Prefecture🏙 civic

An elegant building that was formerly a Benedictine monastery, now serving as the local administrative seat.

Laser Game👨‍👩‍👧 family

An exciting amusement center in Troyes for play and action.

Le Cube🎭 culture

A modern theatre and event center in Troyes for contemporary arts performances.

Theatre de Champagne🎭 culture

A historical theatre in Troyes located in a former permanent circus building.

Les Jardins d'Hugo🏰 castle

A castle and garden complex in Troyes serving as a place of recreation and culture.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is the center called a champagne cork?
The shape of the medieval city walls exactly resembles a cork. This area encompasses the historical district with its half-timbered houses.
What is the culinary specialty of Troyes?
The Andouillette de Troyes is a famous sausage made from pork chitterlings, prepared by hand according to a traditional recipe.
Is Troyes worth it for a shopping trip?
Yes, Troyes is the center of factory outlets in Europe. Brand outlets like McArthurGlen offer high discounts year-round.
How many days should you plan for the city?
A weekend is enough to visit the old town, the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral, and the museums.
Are there significant churches in Troyes?
Troyes is known for its ten churches with exceptional Renaissance stained glass, especially in the Basilica of Saint-Urbain.
Troyes: where is it located?
Troyes is located in Grand Est, France.
Troyes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sainte-Madeleine Church, Basilica of Saint-Urbain, Ruelle des Chats.
Troyes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Troyes: why is it worth visiting?
Troyes, the historic capital of the Champagne province in the Aube department, is celebrated for having one of the most perfectly preserved medieval old towns in France.
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