One day in Troyes

What you'll do

A real journey through time in this medieval city in the south of Champagne is an excellent choice if you are a fan of photography. Troyes has the merit of not having suffered from the bombardments during the First World War, and of having therefore preserved many buildings and houses from the 18th century, in addition to its cathedral, smaller than that of Reims, of course. Half-timbered houses that can also be found in Alsace give Troyes a crazy charm, and its many medieval churches are remarkably well preserved. More info about Troyes architecture.

The Champagne Fairs

In the Middle Ages the Counts of Champagne encouraged the prosperity of commercial exchanges; they instituted rules concerning the manner in which the fairs were to be conducted and the policing of the markets, ensuring the safety of the travellers, the traders and the good faith of the operations carried out, with six great fairs spread over a whole year: two at Provins, one at Lagny, one at Bar-sur-Aube and two very large ones at Troyes (the St Jean Hot Fair and the St Rémi Cold Fair).

Money-changers and bankers played an important role, since only the money of the Counts and the King was allowed. The Counts also protected the Jewish community, where RACHI came from.

Troyes, cradle of the Templars

From the cathedral where the Council of Troyes where held in 1129 to formalise the Order of the Templars, from the outside of the Templar Commandery, passing by to the marché place district, you will have a glance of the templar environnement. The pope Urban IV (1200-1264) born in Troyes was a priest of the cathedral. Another pope, Urban II (1042-1099)., who preached the first crusade, is from Champagne.

And the sparkling Champagne ?

Troyes does not have Champagne houses as prestigious as Reims (Taittinger, Mumm, Veuve Cliquot), but many family producers on the Côte des Bars will satisfy you! We will visit a champagne house where you will see the press, the aging tanks, and end with a tasting.

7:00 am: departure from your hotel in Paris.

9:00 am: breakfast in the city center of Troyes.

9:30 am to 12 : visit of Sainte-Madeleine XII century church and the cathedral. Wandering in the old streets.

12:00 pm: Lunch (not included) in the old city.

15:00 pm: Visit of a family Champagne grower as Devaux in their wonderfull manor (picture below) or Massin Champagne. 3 tastings.