Visit Troyes

Here’s another statue by Belgian artist Tom Frantzen, offering a picture-perfect view over the fountain quay with the prefecture and the basilica in the background. This sculptor really is a genius. The energy and joy of this playful chain of Read more

On your left, you’ll see the sign for the Cellier Saint-Pierre and the old painted inscription on the wall that reads “Special Factory of Prunelle.” This is where the famous Prunelle de Troyes liqueur is still distilled. It even won a gold medal at the Read more

Here’s another iconic statue that adds to the charm of Troyes. Her name is Lili, affectionately known as the lady with the hat. She was created by Hungarian sculptor Andras Lapis, who has a fondness for elegant women wearing hats—you can Read more

You’re now standing in front of the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, instantly recognisable by its single left-hand tower. The origins of Christianity in Troyes go back a long way, though legend and history tend to blur together. Read more

This charming little square brings you face to face with Saint-Nizier Church. Its colorful roof might remind you of the Hospices de Beaune, and that’s no coincidence—it features the same traditional Burgundian style with its beautifully glazed Read more

At the corner of Rue Kléber, you’ll find the oldest half-timbered house in Troyes—an absolute gem known as “La Maison du Dauphin,” or the Dauphin’s House. Built in 1472, this beautifully restored building gets its name from a carved coat of Read more

On your right, you’ll see the entrance to the gardens of the Saint-Loup Museum. This peaceful spot was once the site of a powerful abbey, founded in the 9th century to safeguard the relics of Bishop Lupus—later known as Saint Loup. Read more

You’re now standing right in the heart of Troyes—in every sense of the word. Geographically, you’re at the center of the old town, famously shaped like a Champagne cork when seen from above. Locals even call it the “Champagne Cork,” Read more

A visit to the local market hall is a must in just about every French city—and Troyes is no exception. In a country where people don’t just eat to live, but live to eat, it’s no surprise that every region is brimming with culinary talent and specialties Read more

You’re now walking through the lovely Jardin du Rocher, a peaceful garden laid out in 1860 on the old city moats. It’s a charming spot, best known for its elegant bandstand—an eye-catching structure with a hint of Oriental flair. Read more

Tucked a little tightly among more modern buildings, this is the Church of La Madeleine—the oldest church in Troyes. First mentioned in 1157, it was largely rebuilt in the early 13th century, in the brand-new Gothic style that had just started Read more

You’re now walking through the most famous alleyway in the city—so narrow that cats could leap from one rooftop to another without ever touching the ground. Look down and you’ll spot the original 13th-century cobblestones, complete with a Read more

You’re now stepping into the Golden Mortar Courtyard—a hidden gem that offers a rare glimpse into what private courtyards once looked like behind Troyes’ half-timbered façades. Its beauty today is thanks to a meticulous restoration carried Read more

You’ve probably noticed along the way just how many old wells are scattered throughout the city—beautiful ones, too, with their carved stone wellheads and delicate wrought iron pulleys. That’s no coincidence. The city of Troyes has always had a Read more

You're now standing in front of Saint Pantaleon Church. Historical records suggest that a synagogue once stood here, followed in the 12th century by a wooden church dedicated to the martyr Pantaleon. According to Christian tradition Read more

On your right, you pass the fascinating Museum of Tools and Workers' Thought. This moving museum offers a collection unique in the world, gathering 12,000 hand-crafting tools dating from the 17th to the 19th century. Presented in display Read more

You're now crossing the city's main shopping street—and chances are, you've already heard about Troyes' reputation as a shopping destination, especially for its famous factory outlets. What you might not know is that Troyes' connection to Read more

We're now standing on what was once the historic site of the Champagne Fairs, known in the Middle Ages as the Money Exchange Square. Back then, there were no supermarkets stocked with goods from every corner of the globe, but there were Read more

At the far end of the square stands Saint-Jean-du-Marché Church. A parish existed here as early as the 9th century, and it was in this very church that Louis the Stammerer, King of France, was crowned for the second time during the Council of Read more

This magnificent half-timbered building on the corner is known as the Baker’s House. Today, it’s a cultural center, but more importantly, it’s a powerful symbol of Troyes’ heritage. It was actually the first house in the city to be restored—in 1964—after plans to demolish it were scrapped. As you might have guessed, a bakery had operated here since the 16th century. You can still spot the old pulleys used to hoist sacks of flour up to the attic. Bakers and pastry chefs worked here for centuries until the last resident left in 1942, and the building slowly fell into disrepair. At one point, the city seriously considered tearing it down, but the locals strongly opposed the idea. Thanks to their determination, the house was saved and beautifully restored. When layers of wattle and daub were removed, an exceptional piece of heritage was revealed. That’s when the city realized the treasure it had on its hands and launched a major preservation effort focused on its historic center—nicknamed the “champagne cork” because of its distinctive shape. That’s why everything around you looks so stunning. Troyes is one of the best-preserved historic towns in France. Half-timbered houses make up 90% of the buildings in the old town and are shining examples of Champagne’s architectural style. What makes the area even more harmonious is that all these houses were rebuilt during the same period, after a massive fire in 1524 destroyed much of the city. The 16th century was a golden age for carpentry, which is why you’re now surrounded by some of the finest timber-framing techniques, sculptures, and decorative moldings from that era. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was common in France to cover half-timbered houses with a dull, gray coating to prevent fires from spreading. But here in Troyes, architects came up with a smarter solution: they separated houses with stone partition walls, which were much more effective at stopping flames. The district you’re standing in was once home to the city’s goldsmiths. Just across from the Baker’s House, you’ll notice a stunning building with a turret and a slate roof in a diamond pattern—this was once the private mansion of a 16th-century jeweler. It’s the only turreted house of its kind still standing in Troyes. Look closely at the base of the turret—you’ll see it’s supported by a carved wooden structure featuring three fauns, rustic deities from Roman mythology. The Goldsmith’s House has been a listed historic monument since 1961. And if you're curious, take a walk down Paillot de Montabert Street—it's full of beautifully preserved historic buildings. Read more

You’re now standing at a crossroads between wood and stone—with traditional half-timbered houses to your left and a beautiful row of 19th-century bourgeois buildings to your right. But take a moment to look at the façade of the City Hall. Read more

You’re now standing in front of the stunning Saint-Urbain Basilica, considered a perfect example of Gothic architecture. Troyes built this magnificent basilica in the elegant Rayonnant Gothic style to honor one of its own—Jacques Pantaléon Read more