An Overture
Troyes, the historic capital of the Aube in southern Champagne, is a beautifully preserved medieval city of half-timbered houses, narrow lanes, and Gothic churches. It's the southern gateway and first night of the longer Champagne road trip and a characterful alternative to the wine-focused Reims/Épernay axis, mixing medieval architecture with a famous concentration of stained glass and a relaxed café culture. Reached on the driving Champagne Route — and also rail-accessible from Paris.
Top Things to Do
Troyes Cathedral
The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul — 13th-century Gothic, built over some 400 years, renowned for its stained glass.
Basilique Saint-Urbain
A Gothic gem of gargoyles and flying buttresses, almost a glass cage of stone.
Ruelle des Chats
The atmospheric medieval alleyway where overhanging timber houses nearly touch overhead — the photogenic heart of old Troyes.
Le Cœur de Troyes
Wander the old town's restored half-timbered centre — the district shaped, fittingly, like a Champagne cork.
Walking Tours
Medieval Troyes Walk
A short loop through the preserved old town: from the Gothic cathedral and its stained glass, on to the Basilique Saint-Urbain, then into the timber-framed lanes — squeezing through the Ruelle des Chats where the houses lean together — and out into the cork-shaped Cœur de Troyes around the Place du Marché au Pain.
Troyes Cathedral → Basilique Saint-Urbain → Ruelle des Chats → Cœur de Troyes
Day Trips & Beyond
Sézanne
~62 km (~1 hr) north toward the vineyards — a worthwhile stopover for the 16th-century Gothic Église Saint-Denis (with its 42 m Renaissance tower) and a café break.
SearchÉpernay
The Capital of Champagne, ~45 km on from Sézanne — the heart of the wine route.
SearchReims
The coronation cathedral city and grandest Champagne base, the northern end of the road trip.
SearchHidden Gems
Ruelle des Chats
The photogenic medieval highlight — a genuine sliver of preserved old Troyes, where the timber upper storeys nearly meet overhead.
SearchFactory-Outlet Shopping
Troyes is known regionally as a factory-outlet hub — an unusual pairing with its medieval core, with big designer outlet villages on the city's edge.
Getting there — the outlet villages (Marques Avenue, McArthurGlen) sit ~3–5 km from the centre; reachable by city bus or a short taxi ride.
SearchFood & Dining
Signature Tastes
Where to Stay
- B&B · Mid-range
- Luxury · 5-star
Practical Notes
Getting In
- By train: direct trains from Paris Gare de l'Est to Troyes make it reachable independently.
Driving the Route
- First night: the recommended opening stop of the one-week Champagne road trip.
- Distances: Châtillon-sur-Loire→Troyes ~177 km (via Auxerre); Troyes↔Sézanne ~62 km (~1 hr); Sézanne↔Épernay ~45 km.
- Non-EU drivers need an International Driving Permit.
Planning Your Time
- One night is the suggested allocation before moving north into the Champagne vineyards.
- Combine the medieval old town in the afternoon/evening with an early departure toward Sézanne/Épernay.
Notable Insights
The Medieval Bookend
- A different Champagne: To Travel Too positions Troyes as the medieval bookend of the Champagne trip — half-timbered architecture and Gothic churches that contrast with the bubbly-focused towns to the north.