France
Troyes
Nestled along the gentle curves of the Seine in France's Champagne-Ardenne region, Troyes is a city where history whispers through its streets—home to around 63,000 residents as of 2021. Its skyline is a tapestry of centuries-old architecture, where half-timbered houses from the 16th century stand as living witnesses to the city’s storied past. Recognized as a City of Art and History, Troyes’ heritage is woven into every brick and alley, inviting visitors to wander through a living museum of craftsmanship and time.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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Things to do
## Things to do in Troyes Troyes is best discovered on foot, starting in the historic city centre, whose colourful 16th-century half-timbered houses recall the city’s medieval and Renaissance prosperity as a host of the Champagne Fairs. Wander through the cork-shaped old town, admire the cathedral and the city’s remarkable collection of historic churches, and look for their richly coloured stained-glass windows. The Cité du Vitrail is a natural stop for understanding Champagne’s stained-glass tradition, with works spanning the 12th to the 21st century. For more culture, explore Troyes’s museums, including the Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière, the Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte Apothecary and the Musée d’Art Moderne. A relaxed weekend in Troyes can combine these museums with a guided heritage walk, a self-guided city trail, local food and a glass of Champagne from the surrounding Aube vineyards. The tourism office regularly offers themed walks, food-focused activities and events, so it is worth checking its programme before travelling. Troyes is also famous for fashion and factory-outlet shopping, a legacy of its hosiery industry. The outlet centres around Pont-Sainte-Marie and Lavau, including Village de Marques and McArthurGlen, offer a broad range of clothing and lifestyle brands and are particularly useful to allow time for if shopping is part of your weekend. For a local sporting experience, check whether Troyes AC has a home fixture at Stade de l’Aube during your visit; attending a match adds a taste of the city’s community atmosphere beyond its historic sights.
Things to do
## Things to do in Troyes Troyes is best discovered on foot, starting in the historic city centre, whose colourful 16th-century half-timbered houses recall the city’s medieval and Renaissance prosperity as a host of the Champagne Fairs. Wander through the cork-shaped old town, admire the cathedral and the city’s remarkable collection of historic churches, and look for their richly coloured stained-glass windows. The Cité du Vitrail is a natural stop for understanding Champagne’s stained-glass tradition, with works spanning the 12th to the 21st century. For more culture, explore Troyes’s museums, including the Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière, the Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte Apothecary and the Musée d’Art Moderne. A relaxed weekend in Troyes can combine these museums with a guided heritage walk, a self-guided city trail, local food and a glass of Champagne from the surrounding Aube vineyards. The tourism office regularly offers themed walks, food-focused activities and events, so it is worth checking its programme before travelling. Troyes is also famous for fashion and factory-outlet shopping, a legacy of its hosiery industry. The outlet centres around Pont-Sainte-Marie and Lavau, including Village de Marques and McArthurGlen, offer a broad range of clothing and lifestyle brands and are particularly useful to allow time for if shopping is part of your weekend. For a local sporting experience, check whether Troyes AC has a home fixture at Stade de l’Aube during your visit; attending a match adds a taste of the city’s community atmosphere beyond its historic sights.
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Reims
France
Reims, often spelled Rheims in English, stands out as a city rich in history and cultural significance nestled in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. This vibrant city is renowned worldwide for its majestic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where French monarchs have historically been crowned, solidifying its role as the heart of royal ceremonies. As the largest city in the Champagne area, Reims is also home to some of the world’s most famous champagne cellars, adding a sparkling allure to its cultural landscape. Situated just 129 kilometers northeast of Paris along the Vesle River, Reims’ roots stretch back to the Gauls and Roman times, evolving into a pivotal center of power and tradition. Its architecture tells a story of centuries—ranging from Romanesque to Art Deco—highlighted by the cathedral, the Palace of Tau, and the Abbey of Saint-Remi, all UNESCO-listed for their architectural and historical grandeur. With its deep connection to France’s royal heritage and its vibrant role in Champagne wine production, Reims invites travelers to explore a city where history, culture, and celebration intertwine.
Dijon
France
Tucked away in eastern France, Dijon stands out as the largest city in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Famous worldwide for its mustard—though not produced locally anymore—this charming city boasts a striking array of historic buildings and winding streets that escaped heavy bombing during World War II, leaving its rich architectural heritage largely intact. With roots stretching back to the Neolithic era, Dijon later blossomed as a Roman settlement called Divio, positioned conveniently on the route between Lyon and Paris. Once the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy from the 11th to the 15th century, the city grew into a hub of wealth, art, learning, and science. Today, Dijon showcases an eclectic mix of architectural styles—from Capetian and Gothic to Renaissance—and many of its lively townhouses date back to the 18th century or earlier. The city's distinctive skyline is crowned by colorful Burgundian terracotta roofs, arranged in eye-catching patterns. Every autumn, Dijon hosts its renowned International and Gastronomic Fair, drawing food lovers from around the world, while every three years, the city blooms during the Florissimo flower show. Known for its signature mustard, created in 1856 when Jean Naigeon used verjuice instead of vinegar, Dijon remains a vital regional center with a vibrant economy rooted in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and more. Recognized by UNESCO in 2015, the historic city center is part of the “Climats, terroirs of Burgundy” World Heritage site, celebrating its centuries-old influence on Burgundy’s famed wine culture.
Paris
France
Paris, the heart of France, is renowned worldwide for its stunning sights and romantic charm. Iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River define its skyline, while the city’s influence in art, fashion, and cuisine is unmatched. Known as the City of Light and the City of Love, Paris hosts top-tier fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint-Laurent, along with luxury cosmetics giants like Guerlain and Lancôme. Much of the city, including the banks of the Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it boasts the second-highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants globally, just behind Tokyo. From the Louvre and Notre-Dame to the Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Cœur, Paris is a magnet for tourists, drawing around 14 million visitors each year.
Neuilly-sur-Seine
France
Nestled just west of Paris, Neuilly-sur-Seine whispers of wealth and quiet elegance. Known locally as Neuilly, this upscale suburb is separated from the city’s core only by the Périphérique ring road and the lush expanses of Bois de Boulogne. Mostly residential, it’s the preferred address for corporate giants and diplomatic missions, often earning the title of France’s most affluent suburb—though, interestingly, when grouped with Paris’s 16th and 17th arrondissements, it forms the country’s most prosperous residential enclave. A place where luxury meets discretion, Neuilly’s streets hide stories of wealth and quiet prestige.