Troyes

Known as the capital of knitted goods, Troyes features a remarkable preserved medieval town shaped like a champagne cork with a dense network of half-timbered streets. The city offers excellent shopping, beautiful churches, and authentic Champagne Ardenne character.

Things to do

• Explore the Medieval Old Town — Wander through the champagne cork-shaped historic center with narrow cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered Renaissance mansions dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
• Basilica of Saint-Urbain — Visit this stunning Gothic church with intricate stained glass windows and ornate stone tracery, one of Troyes' most impressive religious monuments.
• Cathedral of Saint-Peter and Saint-Paul — Marvel at this grand Renaissance cathedral featuring remarkable stained glass windows and Renaissance-era furnishings in the heart of the old town.
• Troyes Factory Outlet Shopping — Browse over 200 brand factory outlets and discount stores concentrated in the Marques Avenue shopping district, earning Troyes its reputation as France's knitted goods capital.
• Museum of Modern Art — Explore an impressive collection of 20th-century art housed in two connected Renaissance mansions with works by Matisse, Picasso, and other major artists.
• Church of Sainte-Madeleine — Discover this 16th-century church known for its ornate wooden rood screen (jubé) and beautiful Renaissance architecture in the medieval quarter.

Food to try

• Andouillette de Troyes — A traditional local sausage made from pork chitterlings with a distinctive pungent aroma, typically grilled and served with mustard and fries.
• Champagne Tasting — Sample authentic Champagne from nearby vineyards in the Champagne region, with many local restaurants offering excellent wine pairings and tasting menus.
• Pâté de foie gras — Enjoy this luxurious regional delicacy featuring smooth liver mousse, often found in local charcuteries and served with crusty bread at aperitif time.
• Fromage de Troyes — Try the local aged cheese varieties that reflect the Champagne Ardenne terroir, best purchased from traditional fromageries in the old town.
• Quenelles à la Lyonnaise — Light poached dumplings made from pike or veal served in a creamy sauce, reflecting the region's French culinary traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Shop on Sunday mornings — Many boutiques and markets in the old town are open Sunday morning, offering a local shopping tradition before most close in the afternoon.
• Respect the medieval streets — The narrow pedestrian-only lanes were designed centuries ago, so expect tight spaces, low doorways, and a slow pace of exploration rather than rushing through.
• Visit factory outlets on weekdays — The outlet shopping district becomes extremely crowded on weekends and holidays, so weekday visits offer a more pleasant and less chaotic shopping experience.
• Learn the knitting heritage — Troyes' identity as the hosiery and knitwear capital is woven into local pride and identity; understanding this history enriches appreciation of the city's economy and culture.