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" due to its distinctive shape when viewed from the sky. The town, 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

Le medieval heart of Troyes It's a truly picture-postcard setting. Nearly 3 half-timbered houses, mainly from the 000th century, line the cobbled streets of the old town center. Rebuilt after the great fire of 1524, these houses with their colorful timber framing and sculpted facades form the visual identity of the town.

La Cat AlleyOne of the most picturesque streets 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

La Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral It 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.

With its 114 meters in length and 28,50 meters in height under the vault, the cathedral impresses with its majestic dimensions. Its distinctive feature: a single tower instead of two. The Saint-Paul tower, the second planned tower, was never built due to lack of funding, giving the building a unique and recognizable silhouette.

The cathedral houses 1,500 m² of stained glass, one of the most beautiful ensembles in France, spanning six centuries of creation from the 13th to the 19th century. In the choir, the 13th-century stained-glass 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 (around 1500) and the Mystique press (1625) by Linard Gonthier, renowned master glassmaker from Troyes.

Le cathedral treasure It 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 was signed in 1420 "Treaty of Troyes"temporarily giving the crown of France to King Henry V of England in 1429, Jeanne D'Arc She was received there while 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 counts ten churches listed as Historical Monumentsmaking the city a veritable open-air museum of medieval and Renaissance religious art.

L'St. Madeleine ChurchThe oldest church in Troyes (12th-16th century) houses a unique architectural treasure: its stone lace rood screenThis 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.

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

L'Saint-Pantaléon church It surprises with its exceptional Renaissance statuary, featuring over 80 stone and wood statues sculpted by masters of the period.Troyes School of Sculpture, a flourishing artistic school in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Troyes, European Capital of Stained Glass

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

La City of Stained GlassHoused in the former Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte (an 3th-century historical monument), it is a unique interpretation center dedicated to this art. 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

Le Modern Art MuseumHoused in the former episcopal palace adjacent to the cathedral, it preserves an exceptional collection of 19th and 20th century art. Originating from the donation of Pierre and Denise Lévy in 1976, it displays major works by Derain, Modigliani, Matisse, Gauguin, Picasso, Braque, Courbet and Bonnard.

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

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

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

La House of Tools and Workers' Thought (MOPO)Housed in a magnificent Renaissance hotel, it pays homage to traditional crafts 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 storesThis commercial phenomenon originated in Troyes in the 1960s to sell off the end-of-line stock of local textile manufacturers, particularly major brands that originated there: Lacoste, Petit Bateau, Absorba, Devanlay.

Today, four brand centers nearly 200 shops offer 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 andouillette AAAAA (5A) 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-formed" according to tradition, it cooks slowly for 5 hours in a flavorful broth.

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

The ChaourceThis 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.

The Troyes Plum, 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 (products by the Fossier company founded in 1756) and the 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 Cote 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 has many 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.

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 Orient Forest 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 sports from May to September.

Temple Lake (1,800 hectares), an internationally important bird sanctuary, hosts more than 200 species of migratory birds. Observatories have been set up to allow the observation of 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.

La Lakes Cycle RouteA 42km cycle path connects Troyes to the natural park, running alongside 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 many outdoor activities Hiking on 400 km of marked trails, mountain biking, horse riding, fishing, treetop adventure courses. In winter, some areas are suitable for snowshoeing.

The Park House to Piney and theEcomuseum of the Eastern Forest In Brienne-la-Vieille, they showcase the natural heritage, fauna, flora, and local traditions. Educational activities and guided nature tours are organized throughout the year.

The Market Halls of Troyes

Troyes Market HallsBuilt in 1874, these buildings form the central covered market of the city. This 19th-century metal architecture, inspired by Baltard's Parisian market halls, 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 concept "Les Halles, Let's Eat!" allows you to buy products from merchants and enjoy them on site in designated areas, creating a true gourmet market experience.

The Jacques Chirac Media Library

La Jacques Chirac Media LibraryInaugurated in 2002, it 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 a exceptional heritage treasure : 48,500 old books from the 16th to the 19th century, constituting the second largest French collection of its kind after the National Library of France. Kept in a room visible from the outside at constant temperature and humidity, these works come from revolutionary seizures in abbeys and private residences.

La "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): An ancient 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 resort of the painter Auguste Renoir.Renoir Space presents reproductions of works and retraces the life of the artist in this village in the Champagne region.

Les Riceys (55 km): wine-growing commune with three appellations, classified among the Most beautiful detours in FranceThree Renaissance churches and a preserved architectural heritage.

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

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

Brienne-le-Chateau (40 km): town where Napoleon Bonaparte studied at the Military School. 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

Le Champagne Theatre offers a diverse program of shows, theatre, dance and concerts. Scene from Troyes It 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.

Highways : 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.