Located in the heart of the Champagne region, the old town of Troyes is, oddly enough, actually shaped like a Champagne cork. The shape, however, is not a result of city planning, but rather a result of the changing course of the Seine river and the placement of fortifications, including moats and walls, over time. Originally founded around 22 BC, the city was known as Augustobona Tricassium, and was a stop along the Agrippan Way, a road that joined Boulougne-sur-Mer with Milan. The city has seen many invaders over time, from Attila the Hun to the Prussian Army in the 19th century. The city has a long industrial history, with a textile manufacturing and knitting trade, which dates back to the 12th century.
Now, Troyes, like many cities in the region, is known for its historical architecture, shopping and gastronomy. The historical centre of the city has great number of medieval, half-timbered buildings. Visit the Maison du Boulanger and the Tourelle de l'Orfevre, both on the rue Champeaux, for typical examples of local architecture.
Not far from these buildings is the Ruelle des Chats (cat street). This architectural curiousity is name as such because the roofs of the buildings are joined, allowing cats to easily jump from house to house. Troyes is known as the "city of 10 churches", and the Cathédrale St-Pierre and St-Paul, with its intricate façade and Gothic architecture is worth a visit. The city has invested heavily in the restoration of the churches, and perhaps the best example of the work is the stained glass, which can be seen at the Eglise St-Madeleine.
Troyes offers a long list of restaurants, and is home to a number of local specialties. The Andouilllette sausage is a famous product of the city, which is home to the "5 As", the Association Amicale des Amateurs d'Andouillette Authentique., which is dedicated to the preservation of the quality of sausage production. The city is also a destination for bargain hunters, as it is home to a number of factory outlets, located both in the city centre and at nearby St Julien Les Villas. Not far from town is the Mc Arthur Glen Marques City outlet mall at Pont St Marie, which offers 210 designer outlets including Christian Lacroix and Armani.
