Having packed up the car as best we could for our family road trip to France and Italy during the April Easter break, we left London and headed to Folkstone to catch the Eurotunnel to Calais. Our epic road trip with our 3-year-old daughter would take us from London to Bologna via the French Alps and a number of stop-offs on the way. Our first overnight stay on our epic trip was the historic French city, Troyes, around 250 miles from Calais. In total our journey from London to Troyes took around seven hours.
On previous occasions when we have driven to the French Alps, we have stopped in the middle of the champagne region enjoying time in Reims and a night with kids in Epernay. This time, Troyes (pronounced ‘tois’) was just over half-way to our first destination and around a 3.5 hour drive from Calais. But is Troyes worth visiting? And what things are there to do in Troyes?
The city of Troyes
Troyes is a small city of just 60,000 inhabitants which lies on the outskirts of the famous Champagne region close to Burgundy and it is the ancient capital of Champagne. Although it is one hour away from the heartland and has no champagne cellars, there are a number of champagne bars and a coupe de champagne in the restaurants tastes very good indeed, especially after a long drive.
Half-timbered housing in Troyes
The gem in Troyes’ crown is its architecture. The quaint city is filled with 16th century half-timbered buildings. Wandering around the city, every side street and corner provided another photo opportunity as tall, colourful buildings looked down on us. Troyes is a stunning place to visit, feeling as though you are rooted in history but with some very modern bars, restaurants and crêperies.
Troyes is apparently one of the best places in France to get a sense of what Europe looked like in the sixteenth century. The distinct buildings were constructed after a devastating fire in 1524. Many of the towering, skinny properties are lopsided, leaning against each other for support. Where subsequent fires have destroyed the timber properties, a number of Renaissance buildings stand majestically alongside them.
Things to do in Troyes
Troyes with kids
We then headed to one of the best restaurants for local cuisine in Troyes, Le Bisroyette. Recommended by our hotel (we stayed at Le Mercure) we were given a coupon for a free glass of champagne each.
Eating in Troyes
The region’s local delicacy is ‘andouillette’ which loosely translates as ‘chitterling sausage’ It is in fact a pig’s intestine crammed full with more intestines. Yes, a whole load of tripe on one plate…doesn’t sound particularly appetising does it?
When my husband, Paul, enquired about it, the waiter was a little cautious about us ordering it and brought us a taster dish for us to try which also included a black pudding version. The rich dish tasted better than I thought it would but I was gobsmacked when my daughter happily munched it all up! Either she has a taste for offal or she was extremely hungry (I think it was probably the latter).
We then made our way back to the hotel. In the morning, Troyes was soaked with rain. We had time for a coffee and croissant at a cafe overlooking the main square which still looked stunning despite the weather.
Is Troyes worth visiting?
Not knowing what to expect, Troyes proved to be a very pleasing stop-off on our road trip in France and Italy and I would recommend as a day trip too. There is plenty of history in Troyes to enjoy and as it is a small city, easy to navigate around. For us, we felt relatively refreshed before hitting the road for our next stop, the French Alps.
The Troyes hotel we stayed at was Le Mecure, but there are plenty of other hotels to stay at in Troyes.
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I love vintage carousels, but I’m not so sure about that half-naked mermaid! Especially since I have two boys.. :p #CityTripping
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…Hitman: Agent 47 – Filming Locations in Singapore
Haha…I know- it was a bit full on!
Never been to This part of France. Looks very peaceful. There are tutor buildings which my RK is really fascinated by and I call my little ones the 4 musketeers. Thanks for sharing!
Shahida recently posted…Dear diary – building start
Ah, yes you do – I’ve noticed the ‘musketeers’ reference before. RK would love Troyes then!
Really love the architecture. Could spend hours with a camera there. Sometimes its the lesser visited French towns and cities that surprise most. We were in Orleans lately. Filled with gorgeous squares. Sadly we only had a day there. Thanks for sharing. #CityTripping
I could have taken absolutely hundreds of pics! France is full of these little historical places..was great to come across Troyes! X
Troyes is lovely but I’m amazed you didn’t throw up with the smell of andouillette being pregnant. I can’t stand it at the best of times, and my poor husband who loves it is not allowed it in the house. I’m not a tyrant about many things but andouillette is one thing I put my foot down for! Hope to see this post next week at #AllAboutFrance, I still haven’t written anything new city-based… 🙁
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…Sunday Photo – 27 March 2016
Haha! It’s a pretty strong smell… Think if I’d been in my first trimester it would have had me running for the bathroom! I’m impressed your hubby likes it but not surprised it’s banned in your house! Haha. Yes! See you next Thursday for #allaboutfrance x
Thanks for linking this to #AllAboutFrance, I’ll see you next week at #citytripping with a new post at last!!
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…Nantes and its fabulous giant elephant
OOOh fab – look forward to it Phoebe. Thanks for hosting #allaboutfrance
How lovely, I am such a francophile I would stop anywhere in France! Troyes looks like the perfect stopover. Thanks for clearing up the pronunciation too! My son loves the carousels too but is not such a fan of the one ride rule we have.. #citytripping
Katy recently posted…On traveling and terrorism
Ah, good plan to have a one ride rule… I just get dizzy the few times I’ve been dragged on so I don’t know how they cope!
I’ve never heard of this city but I adore the 16th Century architecture.
Well done to your daughter for trying such an adventurous dish – you know what kids are like, I bet if you’d served this at home she’d had turned her nose up (well mine would anyway).
I spy you still managed a sneaky glass of champers 😀
Samantha Rickelton recently posted…6 Family Things to do at Kielder – Guest Post by Rural Teacake
You are so right Samantha – there is no way she would have had that at home. Yes, we got a free glass of champers so had a few sips. Wasn’t the best but was good to have a taster! x
This gothic cathedral looks stunning! And I love the houses that give you the impression of the 16th century! To be honest, I have never heard of Troyes before, but now I just might have to check it out!
I’d never heard of it before either! Was a lob so glad lovely surprise. I’m glad my hubby did his homework! X
What a lovely stop – the narrow streets and old houses are fantastic, I’d have happily wandered around for hours too (as long as my own three-year-old would let me). I think I’m with you on the andouilette too. I’ll eat/try most things but tripe isn’t one which appeals! #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #20
Nope – tripe certainly isn’t for me. Troyes was a delight to wander around… although was glad the carousel was there to finally amuse the little one!!
I love any and all things French! What an adorable town! The French countryside villages really have ever more to offer visitors than the big cities. Thanks for hosting the link-up!
Christy Swagerty (whatupswags) recently posted…My 5 Favorite Travel Movies
There are certainly lots of hidden gems out there. Thanks for linking up to #citytripping x
Hadn’t been to Troyes before but it looks absolutely stunning, love all those ancient buildings. Not sure about the andouillette though…
visiting from #citytripping
Nicola recently posted…Family Travel Danang: The Premier Village Resort Review
Haha – I know – definitely not for everyone…although strangely it IS for my daughter…who’d have thought!
I love all the half-timbered architecture. What great atmosphere! Thanks for sharing… #citytripping
Jennifer (aka Dr. J) recently posted…A Walking Tour of the National University of Ireland, Galway
Was awesome to wander around!
so cute! like a chocolate box town:)
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…My Scottish memories: Glasgow
Very cute!
I’ve always had a soft spot for gothic cathedrals. Those pictures seem to transport you back in time. Just lovely.
I am glad they do…that’s how I felt wandering around.
We haven’t heard of the city Troyes up to now, although we have a house in France (which we rent out to be able to travel 😉 It looks beautiful and worth to visit certainly! Where do you stay on your travels with the kids? I heard of a young family who is couchsurfing along the way with two kids. It’s amazing how open and welcoming the people are, especially in the UK and France. We are often couchsurfing with our traveling Beagle. Awesome experiences!
Grey World Nomads recently posted…Scotland’s Argyll Forest Park
To be honest I had not heard of Troyes until we booked this trip either! It’s one of the lesser known places and not particularly touristy. We stay mainly in hotels or apartments when we travel… that’s interesting about the couchsurfing thing though.
I had no idea what a gem Troyes was – the authentic buildings plus factory outlet shops! What’s not to love there 🙂
The museum pass sounds a bargain too.
#citytripping
Trish recently posted…Can you spot the Easter Bunny?
Haha – totally – it is a shame we didn’t have time for some shopping while we were there!
Ooh this sounds fab, we have a French road trip planned for May, I haven’t even started to think about it yet, I think I will bookmark this post as it sounds a perfect stop off x
Sarah Christie recently posted…Whats Hot In Vinyl Flooring
Oh, it’s definitely worth considering. You only need a few hours there… so is perfect for a stop off. Where are you headed in France? Look forward to hearing all about it!
I love love love that architecture – really beautiful and just makes you want to find out more about the history. The delicacy, not so much, but then again I’ll scoff black pudding or haggis so who knows.
#citytripping
tots2travel recently posted…Hotel Profile – Hilton Coylumbridge with Kids, Aviemore, Scotland
Haha – you may be surprised with the local delicacy then.. did taste better than it sounds.
I love that French style wooden houses they always look amazing. In the Alsace region of france they are everywhere in bright and beautiful colors
#citytrippin
Oooh, we are off to Alsace in a couple of days…I can compare!
Looks like a totally adorable town!! I loooove half-timbered towns and I will definitely be adding this to my list! #citytripping
Lolo recently posted…A Surprise Trip to Vienna, Austria
You totally should!! It was a fascinating place.
Never heard of this place. Looks very Normandy…
beatravelling recently posted…Rarotonga’s Muri Lagoon: Just Another One…?
It’s definitely worth a visit.
Cannot stop looking at that architecture. This is why I like small towns so much. The duck dish sounds delicious.
Ruth recently posted…Whale Watching in Baja California
It’s incredible. I really couldn’t stop gazing up at it and taking pics. You wouldn’t fancy the andouillette then Ruth?
The food in France is so lovely! Your duck dinner looks divine. Troyes is such a beautiful town. The architecture is fabulous. And Troyes’ Gothic cathedral is really stunning! It’s so great to bring children traveling with you – they learn so much! #citytripping
Becky, Cuddle Fairy recently posted…The Happiness Series with What The Readhead Said
Thanks Becky! I hope she does…even if it’s what different carousels there are in France and the local dishes! Haha – she really loves it…thank goodness!! x
Half naked mermaid on the carousel, hmm, yeah, only in France, LOL! What a lovely trip you had – I gather, the town wasn’t too crowded with tourists? Sounds like a perfect getaway to me 🙂 #citytripping
Haha – totally! There were hardly any tourists at all which was a huge bonus!
This post makes me think I need to explore more of France!! Looks like such a lovely town. And andouillette… BRAVE!! It’s not for me either. 🙂 #citytripping
Lillian @ The Smalls Abroad recently posted…Moving Apartments in Paris
It was a really fascinating little city…so much of France to explore…yep, think andouillette is an acquired taste! x
Oh my, what a beautiful city and I was really hoping it was going to be “our” side of Paris – but at nearly 5 hours from us it is a bit far for a day trip. Oh well – maybe one day I’ll get to see, for real, those wonderful overhanging buildings. #citytripping
Rosie @greenrosielife recently posted…Weekly Green Tips #2 – Get Growing
Ah, that’s a Rosie…maybe a cheeky stopover…
That looks like such a cute town! There is so much to see in France. #citytripping
There really is… Such a huge, diverse country!
I’ve visited Troyes too. You’re right – it is lovely, with its gorgeous old architecture. I went because I was writing a feature on the factory outlets which are fantastic. You can pick up some real bargains! #allaboutfrance
Clare! Now you have me kicking myself for not going shopping!!! X
Oh, it looks so quaint!
I’m not sure I could have eaten all those intestines in one sitting. Duck seems like a much more sensible option 😀
#MondayEscapes
bevchen recently posted…A trip to Paradise, New Zealand
Exactly my thoughts! Intestines aren’t exactly my top dinner pick! The duck was lovely though.
That architecture is to die for!!!! Absolutely beautiful.
It was wonderful to see. Thanks for stopping by.
Oooh, thanks for sharing this gorgeous album. Another stop on my never-stop-moving road trip list!
Cheers to this #AllAboutFrance story.
My list just keeps on growing too!
It feels like I’m taken back in time. Such a unique town, would love to visit it some time.
That’s exactly how I felt walking around!
Such a great place for a getaway! Oh my, the architecture is sooo pretty, I love it!
I have to include this place on my list. France is filled with amazing little towns like this one 😀
Happy to have you on #MondayEscapes 😀
Packing my Suitcase recently posted…12 things that really matter about hotel rooms
It was gorgeous. There are SO great French towns…will be writing about another one we found soon. Thanks for hosting #mondaescapes