The best city hikes and walks in Forêt D'Orient

Fun facts & legends • In 1789, the police wanted to put up fences because the alley was notorious as a meeting place for lovers. • A local legend tells of a pregnant woman who was miraculously saved when a wall “moved aside” in front of her belly. • The street is also said to have played a role during epidemics: the many cats helped keep rat populations under control. Why visit? • Very photogenic: One of the most photographed places in Troyes – often featured on postcards. • Historic and romantic: Perfect for those who love medieval towns and hidden gems. • Nearby: You’ll also find cozy cafés and a cat café (“Troyes Petits Chats”), plus a pretty courtyard called Cour du Mortier d’Or and the Jardin Juvénal-des-Ursins.

The Ruelle des Chats, or Cat Alley, is one of the most charming and famous streets in the old town of Troyes, located in the Champagne region of France. ⸻ 🏛️ History & Architecture • Medieval origins: The alley dates back to the 15th century and was rebuilt after a major fire in 1524. • Why the name “Cat Alley”?: The houses are built so that their upper floors almost lean against each other. It is said that a cat could jump from one roof to the other — hence the name. • Typical half-timbering: The street is paved with a gutter in the middle for rainwater, and the houses are half-timbered with wooden beams that stabilize the whole. ⸻ 🌆 Atmosphere & charm • Romantic appearance: The narrow passage and leaning facades create a mysterious, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. • Reconstruction: In 2014, several half-timbered houses were rebuilt based on old prints and photos. • Preserved thanks to heritage protection: In the 1960s, the street was saved from demolition by the efforts of heritage organisations and Minister André Malraux.

The 12th century Hôtel de Ville is located in the heart of the historic district of Troyes and was built by Pierre Cottard. The building is built in the style of Louis XIII and the façade with the statue of a "helmeted Minerva" has been listed as a monument historique since 1932.

In 1482, King Louis XII agreed to entrust the management of the city of Troyes to a mayor, assisted by aldermen. These functions were carried out by magistrates or merchants, usually on a voluntary basis. The first mayor of Troyes was Edmond Le Boucherat. Before him, an advisory council sat occasionally in various places in the heart of the city, such as the chapter of Saint-Pierre or the former convent of Cordeliers. In 1479, the council moved out of this aristocratic district to live permanently in the "corps du bouchon" and rented a house near the church of Saint-Urbain, then known as the Chambre de l'Échevinage, which was equipped with a bell to call meetings. In 1494, the city council bought the Hôtel de Mesgrigny, a large building from the 15th century, and in the 17th century decided to build a new city hall. Louis XIII gave permission to use a small part of the income from the tax on wine and salt. The building was therefore built gradually and was not finished until around 1672. In 1933 and 1937, two wings were added to the back by the architect F. Balley. The central facade, with its blue Tournai marble columns, has a niche with a helmeted Minerva, replacing a statue of Louis XIV that was destroyed during the French Revolution. On the monumental mantelpiece in the council chamber, there is still a large wooden medallion with the effigy of this king, sculpted in 1687 by the Trojan François Girardon (1628-1715). Another memorable trace of the Revolution on the facade is the revolutionary motto that was displayed on all French town halls at the time: "Unité, Indivisibilité de la République, Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité ou la Mort" ("Unity, Indivisibility of the Republic, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity or Death").

Opening hours: High season (1 April–31 Oct): Mon–Sat 09:30–12:30 & 14:00–18:00, Sun 14:00–18:00. Low season (1 Nov–31 Mar): Mon–Sat 09:30–12:30 & 14:00–17:00, Sun 14:00–17:00 troyeslachampagne.com . Free admission. Audio guides available in several languages (€2) .

The Église Sainte-Madeleine in Troyes is one of the oldest and most remarkable churches in the city. The Église Sainte-Madeleine combines centuries-old Gothic architecture with magnificent 16th-century stained glass windows and a monumental jubé that is one of the few remaining stone rood screens. Perfect for lovers of art history and medieval splendor – a hidden gem in the heart of Troyes.

Address: 16 Rue Aristide Briand, 10000 Troyes, France Phone: +33 3 25 82 62 70 Opening hours: Tuesday 09:00–18:00 Wednesday 09:00–18:00 Thursday 09:00–18:00 Friday 09:00–18:00 Saturday 09:00–18:00 Sunday 10:00–13:00, 14:00–18:00 Monday 09:00–18:00

"Wait for me" - Between Rue de la Cité and Rue Clemenceau This humorous and poetic work by the same sculptor as "La Ribambelle joyeuse", the Belgian artist Tom Frantzen, known for his creations that cross the line between the real and the fantastic, was installed on the old swing bridge at the end of 2018 and shows a small dog scaring a group of birds, causing them to fly away. The group is reminiscent of the cranes that fly over the Aube department every year. The artist has worked in harmony with the site, so that the movement fits in and adds lightness to these heavy bronze sculptures.