Studying in a city is not just about going to classes and taking part in college life. It’s also about being part of an ecosystem, a city and an environment where there are many opportunities to develop yourself. As the historic capital of the Champagne region, Troyes is packed with exhibitions, concerts, sports events, entertainment and special occasions for students all year round. But life in Troyes is also punctuated by the seasons with some major events that you must mark on your calendar.

September to December: festive autumn

As the university students return, the city buzzes with energy. September is a period of renewal and a new cycle. Les Clés de Troyes is an unmissable student event that brings together students from all the city’s education hubs to join in with sporty, fun and musical challenges over three days. Following this initial excitement, the European Heritage Days give you an opportunity to discover the city’s monuments free of charge. Finally, living in the Champagne region means you must take an interest in the legendary wine at this time of year. You can even take part in the harvest if you want to try a new experience. Or you can take a visit to the region’s cellars with your family or friends, to learn more about this famous product that is enjoyed all over the world.

Now you’ve got your bearings, time flies fast. We’re now in October, time for the week-long Nuits de Champagne music festival that brings together the best contemporary artists. Concerts, shows and events… the city swings to the beat of an electrifying festival. No time to rest in November, as the European Night of Museums lets you discover unique, surprising and inspiring cultural centres free of charge. Then it’s time for the holiday season in December. The city dresses up in its most beautiful decorations, with events and activities, a giant Christmas tree and a Christmas Market. Time to take some holiday and celebrate Christmas with your family.

January to March: a cosy winter

Winter makes a strong start with the Sales season in the outlet stores, with over 300 major brands across two large shopping centres. A great chance to get a bargain and find out the new trends without bankrupting yourself. January is also a good time to get outside – why not explore the Champagne countryside in the cold weather, with its vines, wooded hills and large lakes? You can heat up your Instagram account with some great photos!

Troyes is also a romantic city with its little cobbled alleys, canals and typical houses, not forgetting its famous heart, a monumental sculpture that lights up at night time. A wonderful symbol for celebrating Valentines in February. In winter, you can warm up and try the local specialities in the city centre bars and restaurants. As winter draws to a close, you can have fun with friends at the traditional March funfairs, whether you prefer exciting rides or simply strolling around the light-filled attractions and smelling the delicious churros and candy floss!

April to July: nature in springtime

The fine weather is back. The perfect opportunity to discover the footpaths in the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park and its large lakes. What do you like best: hiking, road cycling, rollerskating, skateboarding or mountain biking? There’s something for everyone, only a few minutes from Troyes city centre.

It’s also a good season to visit the Nigloland theme park, 45 minutes from Troyes. One of the five biggest theme parks in France, it offers multiple attractions and experiences for everyone. You can spend the whole day recharging your batteries. On the way back, you could perhaps take in some watersports on the lakes. May and June are the start of the tourist and sports season on the region’s three big lakes. Windsurfing, jet skiing, boating, swimming, beach volleyball, adventure course… it’s time to get out and about! And you need to do it soon, as the university year is coming to an end. In June, make the most of the heritage marathon to discover the city from a new angle before the music festival and the summer sales. A wonderful university year comes to a close. We’ll see you in two months!

A dynamic student city of a manageable size, Troyes offers many opportunities to enjoy the full student experience. Sample the many experiences on offer, make new friends and explore a new environment. Ready to go?