Troyes and its region

"...a sparling city like its champagne..."   Lauzanne cites

Troyes, capital of the Aube region, delightful with its small squares and meandering narrow streets lined with half-timbered buildings, is noted among the most beautiful medieval cities in France. The city centre, enclosed by wide boulevards, forms a perfect champagne-cork shape whose top borders the cathedral of Saint Peter and Paul and the museums of the Abby of Saint Loup and of Modern Art. The body of the cork, burned in 1524 but quickly rebuilt, is home to its harmonious historical centre. Here the most enchanting half-timbered structures of the city, surrounded by cosy café tables, invite you for a welcome pause to admire the medieval décor.

Fifty-two hectares of the area have been protected, and today Troyes leads the list of historic French cities for its restored buildings. Mansion houses and museums follow one another - the former often home to the latter - such as the elegant Hotel de Mauroy, restored by the Compagnons du Devoir, housing the Museum of "l'Outil et de la Pensée ouvrière", the only one of its kind found anywhere.

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