29/11/2001
Exploring the Charm of Troyes: A Camper's Paradise
Troyes, nestled in the heart of the Champagne region, is a destination that truly captures the essence of French art de vivre. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes, it offers a unique experience for every traveller. For those who love the great outdoors, Troyes and its surrounding areas provide an array of excellent camping opportunities, catering to diverse preferences, from the seasoned camper to the family seeking a memorable getaway. This guide will delve into the best camping experiences Troyes has to offer, highlighting key sites, activities, and the unique allure of this historic city.
Campervan Haven: Aire de Camping-Car de Troyes
For those travelling with a motorhome, the Aire de Camping-Car in Troyes is a prime location. Situated in a delightful, tree-lined area on the border of Troyes and Pont-Sainte-Marie, it offers a peaceful retreat while remaining conveniently close to the city's attractions. This well-equipped site boasts 37 pitches, with spaces ranging from 100 to 184 m², ensuring ample room for your vehicle and outdoor relaxation. Open year-round, it provides essential amenities such as electricity, water supply, and waste disposal facilities. The site is secured with 24/7 access control and CCTV, offering peace of mind to visitors. Its proximity to major motorways, the A26 and A5, makes it easily accessible for those arriving by car. A short 10-minute journey will bring you to the historic heart of Troyes, with bicycle hire stations conveniently located near the aire, perfect for exploring the city's medieval streets.
Key Features of the Aire de Camping-Car:
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Pitches | 37 pitches, 100-184 m² |
| Opening | Year-round |
| Max Stay | 7 nights |
| Cost | €14/night (includes electricity & waste disposal) + €0.55/person/day tourist tax |
| Services | Water supply, electricity hook-ups, grey & black water disposal, children's play area, selective sorting, CCTV surveillance, natural ground surface. |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Proximity | Close to city centre, shops, historic sites, and transport links. |
The cost of a stay is very reasonable, with a nightly fee of €14 covering electricity and waste disposal. An additional tourist tax of €0.55 per person per day applies. For a typical stay of two people, the total cost would be approximately €15.10 per night.
Discovering Other Camping Options in the Troyes Region
While the Aire de Camping-Car is a fantastic option for motorhomes, Troyes and its environs offer a broader spectrum of outdoor accommodation. From bustling 4-star campsites complete with swimming pools to more rustic pitches for tents and caravans, there's a site to suit every need. The region around Troyes is blessed with natural beauty, including the picturesque lakes of the Forêt d'Orient, which offer opportunities for swimming, watersports, and serene lakeside camping. One notable example is Camping Les Terres Rouges in Clérey, a 2-star campsite situated on the banks of a lake, adjacent to a leisure centre with direct beach access. This campsite provides 32 pitches and rental options, making it an attractive choice for families and couples alike. At Camping Les Terres Rouges, you can engage in activities such as kayaking, pedal boating, and waterskiing. The campsite also boasts facilities for minigolf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and boating, ensuring endless entertainment for all ages.
Types of Outdoor Accommodation Near Troyes:
- Mobile Homes: Comfortable and fully equipped, ideal for families.
- Tent Pitches: Traditional camping spots for those who enjoy being close to nature.
- Caravan Pitches: Designated areas for touring caravans.
- Motorhome Aires: Specifically designed for campervans and motorhomes, often with essential services.
- Glamping: For those seeking a more luxurious outdoor experience, though specific sites would need to be researched.
Why Visit Troyes? The Historical and Cultural Allure
Troyes is a city that whispers tales of its past, a veritable Renaissance gem that embodies the French way of life. Its most striking feature is undoubtedly its incredibly well-preserved historic centre, a labyrinth of narrow streets adorned with a vibrant tapestry of half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th century. These colourful, timber-framed buildings are a significant part of France's national heritage, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere. As you wander through the city, you'll discover a myriad of Gothic churches, many of which house the most exquisite stained-glass collections in France, offering a glimpse into the city's rich religious and artistic history.
Beyond its architectural beauty, Troyes is a haven for food lovers and shoppers. The Halles de Troyes, a covered market, is open daily and offers a fantastic array of local produce, cheeses, and delicacies. The city's independent shops also provide a delightful shopping experience. For those interested in wine, the renowned Champagne vineyards are just a short drive away, offering opportunities to visit cellars and sample the local sparkling wine. Furthermore, Troyes is a major shopping destination thanks to its proximity to outlet centres like Marques Avenue (10 minutes away) and McArthurGlen (5 minutes away), which attract millions of visitors annually, drawn by the prospect of designer brands at reduced prices.
Activities and Exploration Around Troyes
The natural surroundings of Troyes offer a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forêt d'Orient, a vast natural park, is a playground for hikers and nature lovers. Marked trails, such as the scenic "Plaines et Collines" route spanning 66km, offer opportunities for extended walks and immersion in the local flora and fauna. The lakes within the Forêt d'Orient are perfect for swimming during the warmer months, and the extensive network of cycle paths provides excellent routes for cycling enthusiasts, whether for a leisurely ride or a more challenging excursion.
For culture vultures, Troyes boasts several notable museums, including the Musée d'Art Moderne, the Cité du Vitrail (dedicated to stained glass), the Musée du Vauluisant, and the Musée de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière (Museum of Tools and Worker Thought). These institutions offer deep insights into the region's artistic heritage and industrial past.
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
- Historic Centre of Troyes: Medieval architecture, half-timbered houses.
- Churches and Cathedral: Explore the stunning Gothic architecture and stained glass.
- Museums: Musée d'Art Moderne, Cité du Vitrail, Musée du Vauluisant, Musée de l'Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière.
- Forêt d'Orient: Hiking, nature walks, birdwatching.
- Lakes of Forêt d'Orient: Swimming, watersports, picnicking.
- Cycling: Extensive network of cycle paths.
- Champagne Tasting: Visit local vineyards and cellars.
- Outlet Shopping: Marques Avenue and McArthurGlen for great deals.
Getting to Troyes: Your Travel Options
Troyes is well-connected, making it easily accessible by various modes of transport. For those travelling by car, two major motorways serve the city: the A5 (E54) from Paris, Langres, or Dijon (via the A31), and the A26 (E17) from Calais and Reims. Several national and departmental roads also provide access, including the N19, N60, N71, N77, D960, and D444, connecting Troyes to surrounding regions and cities like Paris, Sens, Dijon, Auxerre, Nancy, and Tonnerre.
By train, the journey from Paris Gare de l'Est to Troyes station takes approximately 90 minutes. The Troyes station is conveniently located within walking distance of the historic city centre, with frequent services connecting to Paris and other major French cities. Coach services are also available through companies like Cars TransChampagneArdenne and Courriers de l’Aube.
Once in Troyes, getting around is straightforward. The city has a comprehensive bus network with 15 regular lines. For those who prefer two wheels, there are 36 km of cycle paths, lanes, and cycle routes. Taxis are readily available, and the compact city centre is also easily explored on foot. For drivers, Troyes offers approximately 1,700 parking spaces throughout the city, including several car parks.
Travel Comparison:
| Mode of Transport | Travel Time (from Paris) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | Approx. 2-2.5 hours | Flexibility, luggage space, easy access to surrounding areas. | Parking in city centre can be challenging, fuel costs. |
| Train | Approx. 1.5 hours | Relaxing, avoids traffic and parking issues, environmentally friendly. | Less flexibility once in Troyes, requires onward travel from station. |
| Coach | Varies | Often the most economical option. | Longer travel time, less comfort than train. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Camping in Troyes
Q1: What are the best campsites for families in Troyes?
Camping Les Terres Rouges in Clérey is a great option due to its proximity to a leisure centre with a beach and a wide range of activities. Many other campsites in the wider region, particularly those around the lakes of Forêt d'Orient, offer family-friendly facilities like swimming pools and playgrounds.
Q2: Are pets allowed at the campsites?
Yes, pets are generally allowed at most campsites in the Troyes region, including the Aire de Camping-Car and Camping Les Terres Rouges. It's always advisable to check specific campsite policies regarding pets before booking.
Q3: What is the cost of camping in Troyes?
Costs vary depending on the type of campsite and facilities. The Aire de Camping-Car is around €14 per night plus tourist tax. Other campsites may range from €20 to €50 per night for a pitch or rental, depending on the star rating and amenities.
Q4: What activities can I do near the campsites?
Activities are abundant and include exploring Troyes' historic centre, visiting museums, cycling, hiking in the Forêt d'Orient, swimming and watersports on the lakes, and enjoying Champagne tasting experiences.
Q5: Is it easy to get around Troyes without a car?
Yes, the city centre is very walkable. Public transport (buses) is available, and bicycle hire is a popular and efficient way to explore the city and its surroundings, especially with the dedicated cycle paths.
In conclusion, Troyes offers a compelling blend of historical charm and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for campers. Whether you prefer the convenience of a motorhome aire or the immersive experience of a lakeside campsite, the opportunities for adventure and relaxation are plentiful. Pack your bags and discover the magic of camping in Troyes!
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