Nestled in Troyes, the Troyes Cathedral impresses you with its magnificent Gothic architectural design. The history of this cathedral can be traced back to the 4th Century and has seen a lot of destruction since then. Initially, this spot had an oratory in 4th Century which was rebuilt as a cathedral in the 9th Century. This cathedral was majorly destroyed during the attacks by Normans and again a Romanesque church was built here. This church was damaged by fire only to be rebuilt as the present Gothic cathedral. The church has been renovated many times since then and has stood the test of time. The interiors of Troyes Cathedral are adorned with stunning art and artifacts collected from over centuries and attracts many history, art and culture enthusiasts for visitation. This Roman Catholic place of worship has been listed as a national monument and is a popular tourist spot in Troyes.
The Maison de l'Outil, the House of Tools, is a museum and library dedicated to the historic and contemporary creation and utilization of tools. Partnerships with the CAMAC art center, crystal craftsmen, a museum of sickles and scythes, and the Hawley Collection of edge-tools and cutlery encourage the exploration of tools and the growing technology behind their creation and mastery. Housed in the beautiful Renaissance-style Hotel de Mauroy, the collection (over 10,000 tools on display) and the building is worth checking out.
With a great downtown location, Le Cube is the core cultural venue in the city of Troyes which opened in the 1960's, was renovated in the 1980's and finally expanded in 2008 when it became a multi purpose space that could adapt itself to the event envisioned. Trade shows, conventions, product launches, dramas, concerts and event sporting events are part of the repertoire at Le Cube.
Built in the 18th century, Église Ste-Madeleine is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the city. Peppered it with intricate carvings, brilliant stone working and intriguing architecture, this structure showcases the splendid craftsmanship of the era. Inside, the church is a sight of pure serenity and bliss. Stained glass windows, depict various chapters of the Bible, while some of the walls don famous paintings which date as far back as the 14th century.
Théâtre de La Madeleine is a historic, beautiful theater located in the town of Troyes. The site of the building dates back to 1777. It was built in the Italian style, and has gorgeous red seats and an impressive painted ceiling. Théâtre de La Madeleine presents classic and modern theater productions, as well as some dance shows. Ticket prices are reasonable, so look on the website for an upcoming schedule!
Lac du Der has become an increasingly popular destination for families and groups looking to have a little fun either in the water, hiking in the woods or participating in any number of events and sports offered nearby. Fishing is a fun activity that you will find many families partaking in while there are some incredibly picturesque hikes around the lake that make a great activity. For the more adventurous family, there are options of horseback riding, jet skiing, sailing, and biking. The bird migration here has also become quite a spectacle and is beloved by bird watchers and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Spread across a large area of nearly 2000 hectates (4942 acres), Temple Lake flows through the towns of Radonvilliers, Piney, Mathaux and Brévonnes and derives its name from the Lake Temple visited by the Templars in the Middle Ages. Popular for its tranquil setting, it remains a famous spot for carp fishing and is often counted as one of the top regional locales for sailing and fishing. The lake's western part falls under a nature reserve and is frequented by nature enthusiasts.
A microcosm of the biodiversity of France, this park stretches over an area of 700 square kilometers (270.27 square miles), and is replete with diverse flora and fauna, including many species of birds that are drawn to the park's lakes and ponds. The terrain is equally diverse, featuring several lakes, woodlands, marinas and beaches. The park was established in 1970, and was quickly designated as a protected area. At present, hikers and nature-lovers will find plenty of trails to explore that are excellent for bird-watching.
East of Troyes extends a nature reserve with three reservoirs regulating the direction of the rivers.
Lac d'Amance is a picturesque lake occupying a vast area of 480 hectares (1186.11 acres) and forms a part of the Aube reservoir. One of the smallest lakes of the Great Lakes of the Seine, it flows through the municipalities of Radonvilliers and Dienville. Lac d'Amance remains popular as one of the famous boating spots close to Paris, apart from serving as a protected area considering the dwindling population of birds. Fishing, water skiing and jet-skiing are a few other recreational activities one can indulge in close to the lake.
Located on the Rue de Lac, this terrific lake enjoys beautiful sunsets, mild water sports and camping activities in the summer. The lake enjoys a tranquil spot, which is why jet-skis and motorboats are prohibited, while fishing and sailing are the activities visitors can engage in. The white sandy bank of the lake is perfect for families who wish to set camp and watch the sun go down. Canoes are available for a serene excursion on the lake as well.