· FR

Troyes

Troyes, Grand Est, France

Step Back in Time in Troyes, France: A City of Timbered Houses and Timeless Charm Escape the ordinary and lose yourself in the captivating medieval city of Troyes, nestled in the heart of France's Grand Est region. Known…

#Historic city#Medieval architecture#Champagne region#Cultural heritage#Shopping destination

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Stay & fly Things to do Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Troyes.

Top Hotels in Troyes

Top Flights to Troyes

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Troyes.

Tours

Historic Tour of Troyes

Explore the medieval architecture and charming streets of Troyes with a guided tour of the historical district, known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses.

Shopping

Shopping at Marques Avenue

Discover a vast array of outlet stores offering discounted brand-name goods at Marques Avenue.

Outdoor

Cycling Tour along the Seine

Enjoy a scenic outdoor adventure cycling along the Seine River, taking in the natural beauty surrounding Troyes.

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Troyes.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Troyes, Grand Est, France, is '62,000'.

Languages

French, French

Average weather

Troyes

Jan

5°0°

Feb

7°0°

Mar

12°2°

Apr

16°5°

May

20°9°

Jun

24°13°

Jul

27°15°

Aug

26°14°

Sep

22°11°

Oct

16°7°

Nov

10°3°

Dec

6°1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Troyes.

What people love

Troyes, located in the Grand Est region of France, is a charming city with a rich history and plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some pros of traveling to Troyes:

Historical Architecture: Troyes is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, with half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and Gothic churches. The city's old town is particularly picturesque and offers a glimpse into France's past.
Shopping: Troyes is a popular shopping destination, known for its numerous factory outlet stores offering discounted prices on designer brands. Visitors can shop for clothing, accessories, and homeware at a fraction of the cost found in regular retail stores.
Cultural Heritage: The city has a rich cultural heritage, with several museums and galleries showcasing art, history, and local traditions. The Maison de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière, for example, is a unique museum dedicated to tools and craftsmanship.
Gastronomy: Troyes is located in the Champagne region of France, known for its world-renowned sparkling wine. Visitors can enjoy local culinary delights such as traditional Champagne and regional dishes like Andouillette sausage and Chaource cheese.
Outdoor Activities: The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and boating. The nearby Orient Forest Regional Natural Park is a great place for nature lovers to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

Overall, Troyes is a great destination for history buffs, shoppers, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering a mix of cultural experiences and natural beauty.

Enjoy your trip to Troyes!

What to know

Traveling to Troyes, located in Grand Est, France, has several potential cons that travelers may want to consider:

Limited public transportation options: Troyes is a relatively small city, and public transportation options may be limited compared to larger cities. This could make it more challenging to get around the city, especially if you are not planning to rent a car.
Language barrier: While many people in Troyes may speak some English, the primary language spoken is French. If you do not speak French, you may encounter some language barriers when trying to communicate with locals or navigate the city.
Weather considerations: Troyes experiences cold winters and warm summers. If you are not accustomed to cold weather, you may find it uncomfortable to visit during the winter months. Similarly, the heat in summer can be intense, so it's important to plan your visit accordingly.
Limited nightlife and entertainment options: Troyes is a historic city with a focus on its medieval heritage, so it may not offer as many modern entertainment options as larger cities. If you are looking for a vibrant nightlife scene or a wide variety of entertainment options, you may find Troyes lacking in this regard.
Limited tourist amenities: While Troyes is a charming city with plenty of historical sites to explore, it may not have as many tourist amenities as larger tourist destinations. This could mean fewer options for hotels, restaurants, and other services that cater to tourists.

Overall, while Troyes is a beautiful and historic city with plenty to offer visitors, it may not have the same level of infrastructure and amenities as larger tourist destinations. It's important to consider these potential cons when planning your trip to Troyes.

Troyes, located in the Grand Est region of France, is a city with a rich and varied history, dating back to the Roman era. Here is a detailed account of its history and significance:

Ancient and Medieval History

Roman Era: Originally known as Augustobona Tricassium, Troyes was an important Roman settlement. Its strategic location made it a hub for trade and communication in the Roman Empire.
Early Middle Ages: Troyes became the capital of the County of Champagne and gained prominence in the early Middle Ages. It was a key city in the medieval Champagne fairs, which were crucial for trade across Europe.
10th-12th Centuries: The city flourished under the Counts of Champagne. Troyes was also an important religious center, with numerous churches and abbeys being constructed during this period.
The Champagne Fairs: These fairs were vital economic events that attracted merchants from all over Europe, making Troyes a wealthy and culturally vibrant city. The fairs were held twice a year and contributed significantly to the city's prosperity.
The Treaty of Troyes (1420): A significant historical event where the English King Henry V was recognized as the heir to the French throne, marrying Catherine of Valois, the daughter of King Charles VI of France. This treaty was a major event in the Hundred Years' War.

Renaissance and Beyond

16th Century: Troyes was known for its textile industry and was a center for Renaissance art and architecture. The city was home to several influential printers, contributing to the spread of Renaissance ideas.
Religious Turmoil: Like much of France, Troyes was affected by the Wars of Religion in the 16th century. The city saw conflict between Catholics and Huguenots, which was part of the broader religious conflicts across France.

Modern History

19th Century: The industrial revolution brought new economic activities to Troyes, particularly in hosiery and textile manufacturing, which became central to its economy.
World War II: Troyes was occupied by German forces during the war. The city suffered damage but many of its historic buildings survived.

Landmarks and Cultural Heritage

Troyes Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul): A remarkable example of Gothic architecture, known for its stunning stained glass windows.
Church of Saint-Urbain: Another fine example of Gothic design, notable for its elegant structure and artistic details.
Old Town: Known for its well-preserved medieval half-timbered houses, the old town of Troyes is a picturesque area that reflects the city’s rich history.
Ruelle des Chats: A famous narrow alleyway that showcases the medieval urban layout of the city.
Museum of Modern Art: Houses a significant collection of 19th and 20th-century art, reflecting Troyes' cultural contributions.

Notable Figures

Rashi (1040-1105): The renowned Jewish scholar and commentator lived in Troyes. His work has had a lasting impact on Jewish studies.
Pierre and Jacques Mignard: Influential painters from the 17th century who contributed to the artistic heritage of France.

Troyes today is a vibrant city that celebrates its historical legacy while continuing to be an important cultural and economic center in the Grand Est region.