A Day Exploring the Heritage in Champagne-Ardenne

This morning, you’ll explore Troyes on foot. Leave your car at the hotel for now, and you’ll come back later.
Troyes is one of the most important French cities for the history of stained glass. The Troyes Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul holds a special place here.
It took four centuries to build the cathedral! It’s the perfect illustration of Gothic architecture. Rayonnant and Flamboyant in a very homogeneous set that you can admire from the outside and the inside.
Take time to appreciate the quality of its sculptures, its painted works, its tapestries, and especially its listed stained-glass windows.
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Consecrated as a basilica during the 17th century, facing you is a pure gem of Rayonnant Gothic art, related to the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and Saint-Ouen Church in Rouen. The basilica was built by Jacques Pantaléon, born in Troyes and later elected Pope in the 13th century. The building process took six centuries in total!
On the front of the building, you can see the tympanum of the main portal, which represents the Last Judgment, its gargoyles masterpieces of the realistic bestiary.
On your way to the next stop, you’ll pass Troyes’s beautiful town hall. Take a minute to enjoy the beauty of the site.

You’ve arrived at a house representing typical Troyes architecture. The building is known as the Orfèvre and was built in the 16th century. The house is supported by three column statues representing two caryatids and a telamon.
Have a look at all the details, and this is an opportunity to take some pictures.

The Champagne fairs, between the 12th and 13th centuries, took place mainly around the Saint-Jean-au-Marché church as well as in the adjacent streets and squares.
In the square, you can see an original elegant well. There were nearly 80 like this one, spread throughout the city shaped like a champagne cork. Besides supplying water for households and for construction, these wells were of considerable importance in the fight against fires.
The church was destroyed a few times in history and rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century for the last time.
You can visit the interior from April to October.

It’s now time for a break. Let's go to Chez Daniel's, a bistronomic restaurant, to have a delicious lunch!
The restaurant is all about flavours and delicacies, serving fine gourmet cuisine based on fresh local products that will delight your taste buds. The service is top-notch! Welcoming and attentive would best describe it. On a sunny day, enjoy the outdoor terrace.
Opening Hours: Thursday – Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Wednesday: Closed
Phone to book a table: +33325739457.

It’s now time to leave Troyes. Let's head back to the hotel to get the car and head towards our next stop! Enjoy the scenic drive across the Champagne region.
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You’re now about to visit a surprising museum! It’s an open-air village offering immersion in the historical heritage of the Champagne bocage.
Explore the typical half-timbered architecture and the life of yesteryear, embellished with various gardens that will awaken your senses and your memories. In its green and peaceful setting, the museum retraces the incredible history of the villages that disappeared to allow the construction of Der Lake.
Opening Hours: March – June; September – November: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
July – August: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Buy a ticket on site.

Nestled in a former convent, Pasteur Hotel offers refinement, calm, and greenery in the heart of Châlons-en-Champagne. The setting is quite unique, with a typical staircase from the 17th century, and the rooms are tastefully decorated.
Leave your car in the car park. You’ll need to book a parking place when you make the booking.
Proceed with check-in and drop off your bags before heading to the beautiful venue where you’ll have dinner tonight.
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L'Édito is a charming restaurant offering a warm and friendly atmosphere! The intimate and cosy setting of this Châlons-en-Champagne restaurant will make you feel at home. It’s the perfect spot to end the day and unwind with a delicious meal. Try the local specialities like the Welshes, the beef tartare, or the duck. On warm days, book a table outside and enjoy the beautiful terrace.
Opening Hours: Every day: 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Book a table

After a full day of exploration in the Champagne region, it’s time to relax. Enjoy the tranquillity and comfort, and let time stand still for the night.
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