Fasthotel in Troyes

Fasthôtel welcomes you to Troyes, the prefecture of the Aube department and former capital of the County of Champagne. Whether for business trips, cultural weekends, or shopping getaways, enjoy the quality of our affordable hotels in this exceptional medieval city!

Our hotel in Troyes is ideally located to discover this city with its remarkable architectural heritage, the European capital of stained glass and factory outlet stores.

Troyes: a medieval jewel of Champagne

Troyes has 65,000 inhabitants (120,000 in the greater metropolitan area) and is distinguished by its exceptional historic center, nicknamed the "Champagne Cork" because of its characteristic shape when viewed from above. The city, bisected by the Seine, has preserved one of the finest collections of half-timbered houses in France, a living testament to medieval prosperity.

Located just 150 km from Paris (1h30 by car or 1h30 by train), Troyes is easily accessible for a weekend or an extended stay in Champagne.

The historic center: the Champagne Cork

The medieval heart of Troyes is a picture-postcard setting. Nearly 3 half-timbered houses, mainly from the 000th century, line the cobbled streets of the old town. Rebuilt after the great fire of 1524, these colorful timber-framed houses with sculpted facades form the visual identity of the city.

Cat Alley , one of the most picturesque, owes its name to the fact that the houses are so close together that a cat could jump from one balcony to another. This narrowness of the alleyways is characteristic of medieval urban architecture, where every square meter counted within the city walls.

The historic center is traditionally divided into two parts: the "head of the cork" housed religious and aristocratic power with the cathedral and the bishopric, while the "body of the cork" was dedicated to commerce and crafts, testifying to the importance of the famous Champagne Fairs which, from the 11th century onwards, attracted merchants and bankers from all over Europe.

The Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

The Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is the jewel of Troyes' religious heritage. A masterpiece of Gothic art, its construction spanned from the 13th to the 17th century, creating an architectural ensemble of remarkable homogeneity despite this long period of construction.

Measuring 114 meters long and 28,50 meters high under the vault, the cathedral impresses with its majestic dimensions. Its unique feature: a single tower instead of two. The planned second tower, Saint Paul's Tower, was never built due to lack of funding, giving the building a distinctive and recognizable silhouette.

The cathedral houses 1500 square meters of stained glass , one of the finest collections in France, spanning six centuries of creation from the 13th to the 19th centuries. In the choir, the 13th-century windows depict biblical scenes, the Virgin Mary, Saint John, and figures from the Middle Ages. In the nave, one can admire the famous Tree of Jesse (circa 1500) and the Mystic Winepress (1625) by Linard Gonthier, a renowned stained-glass artist from Troyes.

The cathedral's treasury is among the most important in France. It notably contains an 11th-century Byzantine casket in purple ivory, brought back from Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, as well as the reliquary of Saint Bernard containing the relics of the founder of Clairvaux Abbey.

It was in this cathedral that the "Treaty of Troyes" was signed in 1420 , temporarily giving the crown of France to the King of England, Henry V. In 1429, Joan of Arc was received there while she was escorting Charles VII to Reims for his coronation, an event commemorated by a plaque at the base of the tower.

The churches of Troyes and the art of stained glass

Troyes has ten churches listed as Historical Monuments , making the city a veritable open-air museum of medieval and Renaissance religious art.

The Church of Sainte-Madeleine , the oldest in Troyes (12th-16th centuries), houses a unique architectural treasure: its stone lacework rood screen . This 16th-century sculpted gallery, created by the craftsman Jehan Gailde, is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance sculpture in France. Chiseled with extraordinary finesse, this rood screen evokes a veritable lacework of white stone separating the nave from the choir.

The Church of Saint-Urbain , built in the 13th century at the request of Pope Urban IV (a native of Troyes), is distinguished by its Rayonnant Gothic architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows. Its soaring vaults and sculpted portal make it a majestic building often compared to the great cathedrals of northern France.

The Church of Saint-Pantaléon surprises with its exceptional Renaissance statuary, with more than 80 stone and wood statues sculpted by the masters of the Troyes School of Sculpture , a flourishing artistic school in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Troyes, European Capital of Stained Glass

The Aube region in Champagne preserves half of France's stained glass windows , making Troyes the "European Capital of Stained Glass" . Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Troyes' glassmaking experienced a golden age with workshops renowned throughout Europe.

The Cité du Vitrail (Stained Glass Center), housed in the former Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte (an 3th-century historical monument), is a unique interpretation center dedicated to this art form. Spanning nearly 000 square meters, an immersive exhibition traces the history of stained glass from its origins to the present day. The regularly updated collection displays stained glass windows at eye level, allowing visitors to appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship and rich colors.

Visitors discover the secrets of production, the evolution of techniques, the religious and then civil role of stained glass, and can admire works ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary creation.

The museums of Troyes

The Museum of Modern Art , housed in the former episcopal palace adjacent to the cathedral, preserves an exceptional collection of 19th and 20th-century art. Founded by a donation from Pierre and Denise Lévy in 1976, it features major works by Derain, Modigliani, Matisse, Gauguin, Picasso, Braque, Courbet, and Bonnard.

The museum is particularly renowned for its collection of glass art , showcasing the expertise of Champagne's master glassmakers. The museum's gardens, laid out in the French style, offer a trail of contemporary sculptures in a serene setting.

The Saint-Loup Museum , housed in the buildings of the former abbey of the same name, is a multipurpose museum presenting collections of archaeology (Gallo-Roman statue of Apollo, Pouan treasure), natural history and fine arts.

The Vauluisant Museum is dedicated to the history of Troyes and the famous hosiery factories that brought economic renown to the city. It retraces the epic story of Troyes' textile industry, a major sector of the city since the Middle Ages.

The Maison de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière (MOPO) , housed in a magnificent Renaissance mansion, pays tribute to artisanal trades and journeymen. It preserves a unique collection of over 11,000 antique tools representing 70 different trades.

Troyes, the European capital of factory outlet stores

Troyes is known worldwide as the European capital of factory outlet stores . This commercial phenomenon originated in Troyes in the 1960s to sell off the end-of-line stock of local textile manufacturers, including major brands born here: Lacoste, Petit Bateau, Absorba, Devanlay.

Today, four outlet centers bring together nearly 200 shops offering permanent discounts of 30 to 70% on the recommended retail prices:

• Brands Avenue in Saint-Julien-les-Villas
• McArthurGlen Troyes in Pont-Sainte-Marie (open every Sunday)
• Marques City in Pont-Sainte-Marie
• Trademark Village

Visitors will find fashion brands (clothing, shoes, leather goods), decoration, accessories and even gourmet food stores (Lindt chocolates, Haribo sweets, Fossier biscuit factory).

Troyes and Champagne gastronomy

Troyes' gastronomy is distinguished by distinctive specialties, heirs to a long charcuterie tradition and the Champagne terroir.

Troyes AAAAA (5A) andouillette is the undisputed star of local cuisine. This 100% pure pork charcuterie specialty is prepared exclusively from pork chitterlings (large intestines) and stomachs cut into strips, seasoned with fresh onions, salt, pepper, and aromatic herbs. "Hand-shaped" according to tradition, it is slowly cooked for 5 hours in a flavorful broth.

The charcutiers of Troyes, including the Gilbert Lemelle company (manufacturer since 1948), perpetuate this artisanal know-how recognized by the Association Amicale des Amateurs d'Andouillette Authentique (AAAAA) . Andouillette can be enjoyed grilled, pan-fried, in a mustard-shallot-cream sauce, or even cold in slices as an appetizer.

Chaource , a PDO cheese from the region, is a soft, bloomy-rind cow's milk cheese with a delicate flavor and creamy texture. It pairs perfectly with local dishes or can be enjoyed on its own with country bread.

La Prunelle de Troyes , a digestif created by Cellier Saint-Pierre in 1840, is made from crushed sloe kernels macerated in alcohol according to a recipe kept secret for almost two centuries.

Pink biscuits from Reims (produced by the Fossier company founded in 1756) and croquignoles (traditional dry biscuits) are the iconic sweets to enjoy with a glass of champagne.

The Champagne vineyards around Troyes

Troyes is located in the heart of the Côte des Bar , one of the four major wine-growing regions of Champagne. This southern vineyard, cultivated on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils, produces characterful champagnes renowned for their aromatic richness.

The region boasts numerous Champagne houses and independent winemakers offering cellar tours and tastings. The surrounding wine villages (Riceys, Bar-sur-Aube, Bar-sur-Seine, Essoyes) offer wine tourism routes through the rolling vineyards.

Les Riceys has the unique distinction of producing three AOCs: Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and the rare Rosé des Riceys , a still rosé wine renowned for its finesse.

The Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park

25 km east of Troyes lies the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park , a vast natural area of ​​70,000 hectares created in 1970. This preserved territory combines forests (oaks, beeches, hornbeams) and three large artificial lakes forming a major ecological reserve.

Lake Orient (2,300 hectares), the largest, offers a supervised beach in summer, water sports facilities for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and pedal boats. Its developed shores allow swimming and water activities from May to September.

Lake Temple (1,800 hectares), an internationally important bird sanctuary, is home to more than 200 species of migratory birds. Observatories have been set up to allow visitors to watch the birds in their natural habitat: common cranes, black storks, ospreys, herons, and numerous species of ducks.

Lake Amance (500 hectares) is dedicated to motorized water sports: jet skiing, water skiing and motor boating.

The Vélovoie des Lacs , a 42 km cycle path, connects Troyes to the natural park, following the Seine and then the lakes. This well-maintained route, accessible to all, allows you to discover rural landscapes, typical villages and preserved natural areas.

The park offers numerous outdoor activities : hiking on 400 km of marked trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and treetop adventure courses. In winter, some areas are suitable for snowshoeing.

The Maison du Parc in Piney and the Écomusée de la Forêt d'Orient in Brienne-la-Vieille showcase the natural heritage, fauna, flora, and local traditions. Educational activities and guided nature tours are offered throughout the year.

The Market Halls of Troyes

The Troyes Market Halls , built in 1874, constitute the central covered market of the city. This 19th-century metal architecture, inspired by the Parisian market halls of Baltard, combines wrought iron and glass roofs to create a bright and airy space.

Open every day, the market hall brings together local producers, cheesemakers, butchers, delicatessen owners, greengrocers, fishmongers, and artisans of fine food. The warm and friendly atmosphere invites you to stroll among the stalls and fill your basket with local Champagne products.

The "Les Halles, À Table!" concept allows you to buy products from the merchants and enjoy them on site in specially designed spaces, creating a true gourmet market experience.

The Jacques Chirac Media Library

The Jacques Chirac Media Library , inaugurated in 2002, is a contemporary architectural gem designed by architects Dominique Lyon and Pierre du Besset. Its glass facade and undulating canopy contrast harmoniously with the surrounding medieval heritage.

The building houses an exceptional heritage treasure : 48,500 antique books from the 16th to the 19th centuries, constituting the second largest collection of its kind in France after the National Library of France. Kept in a room visible from the outside at a constant temperature and humidity, these works originate from revolutionary seizures of abbeys and private residences.

The "Blue Library" , a collection of chapbooks of which Troyes was the capital in the 17th and 18th centuries, testifies to the influence of the Troyes printing industry which disseminated popular novels, tales and almanacs throughout France.

Notable sites near Troyes

Bar-sur-Aube (50 km): a former fortified town, it retains a 12th-century Saint-Pierre church and a medieval market hall. Starting point of the Champagne Route of the Côte des Bar.

Clairvaux (60 km): remains of the famous Cistercian abbey founded by Saint Bernard in 1115. Although transformed into a prison in the 19th century, the site retains remarkable monastic buildings listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Essoyes (45 km): birthplace and holiday destination of the painter Auguste Renoir. The Espace Renoir displays reproductions of his works and retraces the artist's life in this Champagne village.

Les Riceys (55 km): a wine-growing village with three appellations, classified among the Most Beautiful Detours in France . Three Renaissance churches and a preserved architectural heritage.

Chaource (35 km): village that gave its name to the famous PDO cheese. Visit artisanal cheese dairies and taste farm-made Chaource cheese.

Nigloland (20 km in Dolancourt): family amusement park offering more than 40 attractions and shows in a wooded setting of 55 hectares.

Brienne-le-Château (40 km): town where Napoleon Bonaparte studied at the École Militaire. Napoleon Museum and Lac de la Forêt d'Orient nearby.

Events and cultural life in Troyes

Troyes enlivens its cultural calendar with numerous events:

• Champagne Nights National French Song Festival (October/November)
• City of Lights : Nighttime illuminations of heritage sites until 1 a.m. all year round
• Christmas market Festive events in the medieval center (December)
• Music Festival : concerts in the streets and squares of the city (June 21)
• European Heritage Days : exceptional openings of monuments and private mansions

The Théâtre de Champagne offers a diverse program of shows, including theatre, dance, and concerts. La Scène de Troyes hosts contemporary creations and emerging artists.

Access to and location of Troyes

Troyes benefits from excellent accessibility:

• Paris : 150 km (1 hour 30 minutes by A5 motorway or train)
• Reims : 120 km (1h15 by A26 motorway)
• Dijon : 150 km (1h45 by A5 motorway)
• Nancy : 200 km (2 hour)
• Chalons-en-Champagne : 80 km (1 hour)

Troyes SNCF train station : direct TER trains to Paris-Est (1h30), Dijon, Mulhouse and Basel.

Motorways : A5 (Paris-Troyes-Dijon), A26 (Reims-Troyes), N19 (Paris-Troyes-Alsace).

Fasthôtel in Troyes allows you to discover this city with exceptional medieval heritage, capital of stained glass and shopping, gateway to the Champagne wine region and the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park.