Troyes Attractions
Troyes, the old capital of Champagne, now chief town of the département of Aube and the see of a bishop, lies on the Seine, here divided into a number of arms. Its main industry is hosiery.
The town's tourist attractions include many churches and old buildings which bear witness to its one-time cultural importance.
Troyes, the Roman Augustobona, was originally the chief town of a Gallic tribe, the Tricasses, from whom it took its later name of Trecae. It was the see of a bishop from the fourth century. During the battle of the Catalaunian Fields in 451 Troyes successfully held out against the Huns. In the 10th C the town passed to the Counts of Champagne, who, along with the bishops, fostered its development, building churches and hospitals and founding the fair which is still held annually. In 1304 the County was united with France.
The town's tourist attractions include many churches and old buildings which bear witness to its one-time cultural importance.
Troyes, the Roman Augustobona, was originally the chief town of a Gallic tribe, the Tricasses, from whom it took its later name of Trecae. It was the see of a bishop from the fourth century. During the battle of the Catalaunian Fields in 451 Troyes successfully held out against the Huns. In the 10th C the town passed to the Counts of Champagne, who, along with the bishops, fostered its development, building churches and hospitals and founding the fair which is still held annually. In 1304 the County was united with France.
Musée d'Art Moderne
In Troyes, the former Bishop's Palace (16th, 17th and 19th C.) now houses the Museum of Modern Art. The nucleus of the museum is the Levy Collection of art between 1850 and 1950, with works by Bonnard, Cézanne, Derain, Degas, Gauguin, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso, Rouault, Soutine and Vuillard. There is also a collection of African art and a collection of sculpture which is displayed in the garden.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | |
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
1945 Victory Day (May 8)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Bastille Day - France (July 14)
Assumption Day - Christian (August 15)
All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1)
Remembrance Day / 1918 Armistice Day (November 11)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Pentecost Monday (Whit Monday) - Christian (May 28)
Ascension Thursday - Christian (May 17)
1945 Victory Day (May 8)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Bastille Day - France (July 14)
Assumption Day - Christian (August 15)
All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1)
Remembrance Day / 1918 Armistice Day (November 11)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Pentecost Monday (Whit Monday) - Christian (May 28)
Ascension Thursday - Christian (May 17)
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
St Loup
In Troyes, opposite the cathedral is the former abbey of St Loup, now housing the Municipal Library, one of France's richest libraries, with over 200,000 volumes, 3,000 manuscripts and 700 incunabula.
In the same building is the Musée des Beaux- Arts (antiquities, pictures).
In the same building is the Musée des Beaux- Arts (antiquities, pictures).
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St Urbain
St Urbain, built in the 13th C, is among the most impressive Gothic churches in Champagne.
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Ste Madeleine
The 13th C Ste Madeleine is known for its 16th C Renaissance tower, and Flamboyant style decor.
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Troyes Cathedral
The 13th C Cathedral of St-Pierre-et-St-Paul is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Champagne.
Museums
In Troyes, opposite St-Pantaléon, is the Hôtel de Vauluisant (16th century), housing the Musée de la Bonneterie (development of the hosiery industry in Troyes). The Musée Historique (13th and 14th century sculpture, coins, prints, costumes) is in the same building.
Rue Emile Zola
In Troyes, to the northwest, in Rue Champeaux and Rue Brunneval, are numbers of old half-timbered houses. Beyond Rue Emile-Zola (the main traffic artery of the old town), at 2-7 rue de la Trinité, are a number of 16th C. houses which were converted into an orphanage in the 18th C., a fine example of Renaissance civic architecture.
St Jean
In Troyes, in the church of St Jean (14th and 16th C.) Henry V of England married Princess Catherine of France. The nave is Gothic; the choir, which is considerably higher than the nave, dates from the 16th C. Notable features are the sumptuous 17th C. high altar and a 16th C. stone "Visitation" in the south aisle.
St Nicolas
In Troyes, is the church of St Nicolas (16th C.), with a 17th C. porch, fine 16th C. stained glass and 17th C. choir-stalls.
St Nizier
In Troyes, at the end of Rue de la Cité is the Late Gothic church of St Nizier (1528-1573), with a west front in pure Renaissance style and fine 16th C. stained glass in the interior.
St Pantaléon
In Troyes, near Rue Emile-Zola is the Late Gothic church of St-Pantaléon (16th-17th C.), with a fine Baroque facade, numerous statues and 16th C. stained glass.
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