Troyes history

At the Roots of History: From Celts to Romans

The history of Troyes is rooted in deep antiquity. Initially, these lands were inhabited by the Gallic tribe of the Tricasses, from whom the modern name of the city is derived. During the Roman period, the settlement received city status and was called Augustobona.

Even in those times, the city played an important role due to its location on the famous Via Agrippa road, which connected Rome with the northern provinces and the coast of the English Channel.

Factors of Prosperity and Development

The transformation of Troyes into one of the wealthiest cities in medieval Europe was due to a combination of geographical advantages and the wise policies of local rulers. Key success factors included:

• Geography and the Seine River: The city is situated on the banks of the Seine, which ensured excellent logistics and facilitated the development of crafts requiring water, such as leather tanning and fabric dyeing.
• Political Centre: Troyes became the historical capital of the County of Champagne. The powerful Counts of Champagne actively patronised commerce and guaranteed safety for merchants.
• Crossroads of Routes: The city was located at the intersection of the most important trade routes between Italy and Flanders.

Early Economy and Cultural Heritage

The economic foundation of the city was laid thanks to the famous Champagne Fairs. In the 12th–13th centuries, Troyes became a true financial centre of Europe. The influence of local markets was so great that it was here that the famous "Troy ounce" appeared — a unit of weight that is still used worldwide today for weighing precious metals and stones.

In addition to finance, the city was renowned for its developed textile production and unique architecture. It was during the period of medieval prosperity that the recognisable appearance of the city centre began to form, with its half-timbered houses and a layout resembling the shape of a champagne cork.

• 451 — Bishop Loup (Saint-Loup) saves the city from destruction by the troops of the Huns led by Attila, becoming one of the main urban legends.
• 878 — In the local church of Saint-Jean-au-Marché, Pope John VIII crowns Louis the Stammerer as King of France.
• 1129 — At the Council of Troyes, the rule of the spiritual and knightly Order of the Templars is officially approved, increasing the city's influence in the Christian world.
• 12th–13th centuries — The "Golden Age" of the Champagne Fairs. The city turns into a key financial centre of Europe, and the "Troy ounce" becomes the standard for weighing precious metals.
• 1420 — The historic Treaty of Troyes is signed in the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, recognising the English King Henry V as the heir to the French throne, sealed by his marriage to Catherine of Valois.
• 1429 — Joan of Arc, leading an army, liberates the city without bloodshed from the Anglo-Burgundian garrison, opening the way for the coronation of Charles VII in Reims.
• 1524 — The devastating "Great Fire" destroys the old wooden quarters, kickstarting a massive reconstruction of the city in the Renaissance style that we see today.
• 1745 — The appearance of the first stocking frames marks the beginning of the industrial era and the rise of Troyes as the capital of French knitwear.
• 1944 — The troops of General Patton's 3rd Army liberate the city, ending the period of occupation during World War II.
• 2009 — Troyes is officially awarded the title "City of Art and History" for outstanding success in preserving its unique half-timbered heritage and stained glass windows.

Key Stages of Development of Troyes

Troyes is a city that has been reborn multiple times, changing its appearance and economic basis. Here are the main milestones that defined its modern look and status:

• The Era of Champagne Fairs (12th–13th centuries)
  During this period, the unique urban structure of the centre was finally formed, resembling the shape of a champagne cork (Bouchon de Champagne). The wealth brought by international trade allowed for the construction of monumental Gothic cathedrals and laid the financial foundation of the region.
• Architectural Renaissance after 1524
  The Great Fire was a turning point: it destroyed medieval buildings but launched a massive reconstruction. The result was rapid development in a unified style, thanks to which Troyes today possesses one of the richest and most coherent collections of 16th-century half-timbered houses in France.
• Rise of the "City of Stained Glass"
  Parallel to the restoration of buildings in the Renaissance era, the city became a centre for stained glass production. Local workshops created masterpieces for the entire Champagne region, securing Troyes' status as the cultural capital of the region and leaving a legacy of 9,000 m² of ancient stained glass.
• Industrialisation and the Knitwear Boom (from the 18th century)
  The appearance of the first stocking frames turned the trading city into a powerful industrial hub. Troyes became the capital of French knitwear (bonneterie). This economic transformation ensured employment for the population for two centuries and attracted new workers to the city.
• Heritage Preservation Policy (1960s)
  In the mid-20th century, dilapidated half-timbered houses were threatened with demolition in favour of modern concrete housing. The decision by authorities and activists to start a large-scale restoration programme saved the historical appearance of the city, turning it into a true open-air museum and preserving its tourist appeal.
• Transformation into a Shopping Tourism Centre
  The legacy of the textile industry was successfully reimagined at the end of the 20th century. Former production facilities were transformed into a retail zone. The creation of Europe's largest brand outlet centres (McArthurGlen and others) breathed new life into the city's economy, making it a mecca for shopping enthusiasts.

Urban Form: The "Champagne Cork"

A unique feature of Troyes' urban planning is the shape of its historic centre. If you look at a map of the city, the contours of the old ramparts (now boulevards) and the canal form a distinct silhouette known as the Bouchon de Champagne ("Champagne Cork").

This structure is divided by the Seine canal into two parts:

• The "Body" of the cork: The upper part, where the cathedral, bishop's palace, and hospitals were historically located (religious and administrative centre).
• The "Head" of the cork: The lower part, where the bourgeoisie, merchants, and artisans were concentrated (economic centre).

Architectural Styles and Epochs

The architecture of Troyes is a rare example of the harmonious coexistence of Gothic temples and Renaissance half-timbered buildings.

• Gothic (12th–15th centuries)
  Troyes is called the "city of ten churches". Religious architecture here is represented in the full diversity of the Gothic style — from early to flamboyant.
  Iconic landmarks: Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (built over 400 years, combining different stages of Gothic) and Basilica of Saint-Urbain (a masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic with a huge area of glazing).
• Renaissance and Half-Timbering (16th century)
  After the Great Fire of 1524, the city was rebuilt. It was this period that gave Troyes its famous multi-coloured half-timbered houses with pointed roofs. Although the construction technique remained medieval (wooden frame), the decor and layout already leaned towards Renaissance ideas. Stone mansions with Italian influence also appeared.
  Iconic landmarks: Hôtel de Vauluisant (transition from Gothic to Renaissance), Maison du Boulanger (Baker's House), Hôtel Juvénal des Ursins.
• Classicism (17th–18th centuries)
  During this period, architecture becomes more strict, symmetrical, and monumental. Wood gives way to white stone, and majestic public buildings appear.
  Iconic landmarks: Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) with a characteristic facade in the style of Louis XIII and Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte (former hospital, now a university centre and museum).
• Industrial Architecture (19th century)
  The development of the knitwear industry led to the appearance of red-brick factories with large windows and high chimneys, which were integrated into the urban fabric.
  Iconic landmarks: Former factory buildings in the station area and along the canals, many of which are now converted into lofts or offices.

Heritage Preservation

An important stage in urban planning history was the second half of the 20th century. Unlike many cities where old quarters were demolished, a large-scale restoration programme was launched in Troyes. Plaster was removed from the facades of ancient houses, revealing the historical wooden framework, which returned the authentic 16th-century look to the streets.

Famous Natives and Residents of Troyes

The history of the city is inextricably linked with the names of people whose influence went far beyond Champagne and France. Creators of chivalric romances, great theologians, royal artists, and revolutionaries lived here.

• Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) (1040–1105)
  Spiritual leader and scholar. The greatest medieval commentator on the Talmud and the Bible. He was born and lived his entire life in Troyes, where he founded a famous yeshiva, making the city a centre of Jewish scholarship in Europe.
• Chrétien de Troyes (c. 1130 – c. 1190)
  Outstanding poet and writer of the Middle Ages. Considered the founder of the courtly romance genre. It was he who introduced the stories of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, Lancelot, and the Holy Grail into world literature.
• Hugues de Payns (c. 1070 – 1136)
  Knight and nobleman from the vicinity of the city. The first Grand Master and founder of the Knights Templar. It was at the Council of Troyes in 1129 that the statutes of this powerful order were officially approved.
• Urban IV (Jacques Pantaléon) (c. 1195 – 1264)
  Pope (1261–1264). The son of a simple cobbler from Troyes who reached the pinnacle of the Catholic hierarchy. In honour of his election, he initiated the construction of the magnificent Gothic Basilica of Saint-Urbain in his hometown.
• Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620–1700)
  Catholic saint and educator. Born in Troyes, but became famous as one of the founders of Montreal (Canada) and the creator of the Congregation of Notre Dame. She played a key role in the development of education in New France.
• Pierre Mignard (1612–1695)
  Painter of the classicism era. A native of Troyes who became the First Painter to King Louis XIV and director of the Royal Academy of Painting. Known for his portraits and monumental frescoes (including those at Versailles).
• François Girardon (1628–1715)
  Sculptor, one of the main masters of the Louis XIV style. Born in Troyes into a family of foundry workers. His statues adorn the park of Versailles, the Louvre, and the Sorbonne chapel.
• Georges Jacques Danton (1759–1794)
  Figure of the French Revolution, Minister of Justice of the First Republic. Although born in Arcis-sur-Aube, his formative years were spent in Troyes, where he studied at college.
• Émile Coué (1857–1926)
  Psychologist and pharmacist. Working in a pharmacy in Troyes, he developed a method of psychotherapy and autosuggestion based on conscious self-suggestion ("The Coué Method"), which brought him worldwide fame.