2 days in Troyes: discover its medieval gems

Famous for its many factory outlets, Troyes is a shopper's paradise... and not just! Troyes has been the capital of hosiery since the 19th century, and is now the shopping town par excellence. The town pioneered the concept of factory outlets, and today there are almost forty of them selling clothes and accessories at low prices! Stroll around, browse, try on and fall in love... 3, 2, 1, get your bargains!

12h30

Comforting lunch in the heart of Troyes

If you're keen to eat locally, you've got to try the famous andouillette de Troyes, a true heritage of the region's pork butchering tradition. Simply grilled or accompanied by a Chaource sauce, a cow's milk cheese typical of the eponymous village, andouillette de Troyes is one of the culinary specialities that is sure to please!

15h00

A stroll through the city centre

Troyes was once the capital of the Counts of Champagne, and its narrow streets are steeped in history as you stroll through the city. Head to the Tourist Office for a guided tour of the city. Don't miss the Ruelle des Chats, which is so narrow that cats can leap from one attic to the next with no risk of slipping: just keep your eyes peeled for the pleasure of seeing one scampering about! As we stroll along, one thing catches our eye: the half-timbered houses! And with good reason, Troyes is the town with the most timber-framed houses, a heritage from the 14th century. Another anecdote to tell on the way home!

20h00

Luggage at the hotel

After wandering around all day, we put our bags down at the four-star Hôtel le Champ des Oiseaux. Just a stone's throw from the city's historic centre, it's the ideal location for continuing our visits the next morning. The hotel has retained the old-world charm that makes it so pleasant and elegant. What fascinates us? Its half-timbered façade, typical of the 12th century! With its heated outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, Swedish sauna and hydromassage shower, relaxation is guaranteed. After a comforting dinner, you can make the most of the fresh air on the courtyard terrace.

DAY 2 - 10.00 am

Discovering stained glass

On this second day, we head for St Peter's Square toadmire the famous Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul. A testament to the work and skills of glass artisans, the cathedral is adorned with remarkably colourful stained glass windows. We continue our discovery at the Cité du Vitrail in the Hôtel Dieu le Comte, where a museum is entirely dedicated to these colourful pieces of glass and the techniques used by craftsmen over the centuries. Simply amazing!

12h00

Extending your stay just outside Troyes

To extend your Champagne weekend, head to the Forêt d'Orient for a nature break! A regional nature park, the Forêt d'Orient is a natural treasure where land and water go hand in hand. Here, you can take your time to observe and listen to unspoilt nature. Between the sparkling lake, the birdsong and the wind blowing through the trees, we love the messages that nature sends us! After a lunch break by the water, you can set off on an easy bird-watching walk, joining the Valois observatory trail for a 1 hour 15 minute loop, and for something a little more sporty, the Amance lake tour offers a 4-hour loop during which pretty landscapes are the reward.