Historical capital of Champagne-Ardenne, Troyes is best visited on foot. Start by discovering the magnificent Saint-Jean district. It is a lively and pleasant area with medieval architecture. Shops and restaurants are legion in the area, especially on Rue Champeaux, located less than 7 km from
the Hôtel Restaurant Campanile de Troyes. In the neighborhood you can also see the courtyard of the Mortier d'or, a perfect example of inner courtyards reserved for the bourgeois of the city of Troyes. It is impossible to visit Troyes without a trip to the Church of Sainte-Madeleine, which is an exceptional example of 12th century architecture. It is the oldest church in the city, famed for the finesse of its sculptures. The place of worship is also decorated with multicolored stained glass windows with very realistic motifs depicting Biblical episodes such as "The Creation of the World". On the street of the church, you may also notice on the gates of the old city cemetery a salamander, the emblem of King François the First.
How can you spend a week in Troyes without taking advantage of the large factory outlets and stores that the city is known for? The shops of these centers have discounts of 30% to 50% on old collections of major brands - promising fun without breaking the bank! For museum lovers, stop at the city’s Modern Art Museum. The museum is housed in the former episcopal palace, dating from the twelfth century, located on Place Saint-Pierre. The site includes a collection of works from the great eras of French modern art. There are sculptures, Art Deco glassware and a collection of primitive arts. All these works of art have been donated to the State by Pierre and Denise Lévy, major figures in French industry.
To entertain children while raising awareness of modern art, there’s nothing better than a family visit to the Villa Gaston Viardot. The house dates from 1908 and is best described as a large-scale trinket. It it located on Boulevard Gambetta, near the Caisse d'Epargne hotel. Another activity that will delight children, Hourra Parc welcomes children aged 4 to 14 years over an area of 800 m². This park, located about ten minutes from Troyes, has inflatable games for children - a great way to let off steam and have fun when the weather doesn’t allow you to enjoy outdoor activities!