Nestled on the Seine in France’s Grand Est region, Troyes is a charming city with a rich Roman heritage. Many visitors are drawn to the city’s architecture, including the picturesque half-timbered houses that have stood in the old town for centuries.
Troye is packed with a range of significant national monuments, including various examples of Gothic French architecture. The 17th-century Troyes Cathedral is one the city’s most famous attractions and captivates visitors with its striking and delicate stonework. Inside, you’ll discover a gorgeous Baroque organ and a spectacular series of stained-glass windows from the 13th–17th centuries that shine colourfully in the sun. There’s also the Basilica of Saint Urban of Troyes, a massive mediaeval church that dates back to the 13th century. Its spiky exterior hides a heavenly interior adorned with religious sculptures and majestic glasswork.
Troye is home to a range of fascinating museums where you can dive into France’s artistic and cultural history. Housed in a 16th-century palace, the Museum of Modern Arts features a remarkable portfolio of French paintings from 1850 to 1950, as well as glassworks and ceramics. Some big-name artists you’ll find here include Matisse and Picasso. Elsewhere, the Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology boasts a collection of 14th-century paintings, decorative arts and local mediaeval antiques.