Ranked by L’Étudiant magazine as the 3rd best student city in France in its category for 2019/2020, Troyes is a manageable city full of hidden treasures, with a unique architecture and a rich history. Choosing the city where you will study is almost as important as choosing your school. If you’re going to spend two to five years in a student city, it’s best if it’s a place where it’s enjoyable to live! Transport time, housing costs, going out, culture, sport, accessibility, ambience… there are so many variables when it comes to choosing a city. So to make you want to come to Troyes, we’ve selected six must-see places for your next visit.

A revolutionary town hall

Town halls are always interesting monuments. The one in Troyes, however, is a little different, for at least two reasons. The first is that it overlooks a large square, leading to the historical districts of the city with its colourful, wooden panelled houses paved streets and unique ambience. The second is that it is one of the rare town halls to have kept the revolutionary motto “Unity, Indivisibility of the Republic, Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood or Death.” This motto is attributed to Robespierre and fell out of fashion with his death, after 1794.

Cat alley

This is the most famous alley in Troyes. Minuscule, narrow, tortuous, but very typical! Cat alley is an essential feature of historical Troyes. Most of the houses surrounding it date from the 16th century and over time they have subsided, so that the tops of them nearly touch. As a result, the cats in the district can jump from one roof to another, hence the name!

A majestic cathedral

An iconic city monument, the Cathedral of Saint-Peter-and-Saint-Paul has had a troubled history. Although construction began in the early 13th century, the work was only completed 400 years later, after several interruptions, destructions and changes in plans. The cathedral has unique stained glass windows (one of the most beautiful sets in France) and is in the centre of the oldest district in Troyes, right next to the Museum of Modern Art and the university campus. Legend has it that in 1536, the cathedral tower was the end of Denis Bolori, a Troyes watchmaker who invented a system of articulated wings. He was an early pioneer in aviation who had a tragic end, as he was crushed after flying in the air for nearly one kilometre!

A city heart that never stops beating

The historic city centre of Troyes, shaped like a Champagne cork, can be explored on foot or by bike. You don’t need to waste time on public transport to discover the variety of art exhibitions, concerts, bars and clubs.

The symbol of the city is a superb sculpture of a heart, much loved by Instagrammers! As soon as night falls, it turns red, lighting up the district with its luminous beats.

A well hidden private townhouse

Very close to the main city centre shopping street, the Lion Noir is a little jewel that is not easy to find. Dating from the 16th century, this private townhouse has a superbly sculpted Renaissance façade, beautiful to photograph. Accessible through a back door, it is hidden out of sight, but is symbolic of Troyes historical architecture.

Places sizzling with energy

In addition to its major historical and symbolic sites, Troyes is a lively city very popular with students. As well as the many events and entertainment organised for and by students, there are nationally famous theatres and concert halls that host the very best artists year after year. The Nuits de Champagne music festival is the highpoint of the autumn, with a cultural effervescence that radiates throughout the city the whole week.

Football fans can follow the Troyes ESTAC team in League 2, plus there are many opportunities offered by the Grands Lacs de Champagne tourist office, only a few minutes from the city. Finally, what would Troyes be without its famous outlet stores, the descendants of the rich history of the city’s textile industry, which has reinvented itself over time?

Student life in Troyes means sharing exciting experiences in an easily accessible city, only an hour and a half from the centre of Paris. Students who come here will make unique memories, before heading off to work all over the world.