At the end of 2019 I was looking for a French destination for a weekend. My criteria were: quickly accessible by train from Paris, not too expensive and nice, authentic city center. I chose Troyes!

• Useful information

So I took the TER train from the Gare de l’Est. Troyes is reached in 1h30 and the round trip cost me 60E. I booked a small studio Arouet very close to the station and close to the center (102E for 3 nights). There is also a bus stop outside the building which leads to the factory outlets. Please note, the buses are every 1.5 hours on Sundays and public holidays! The ticket cost me 1.35E (end of 2019).

• Day 1

It was the weekend of the final of the rugby world cup, impossible to not watch for me! So I stay in bed in the morning in front of the TV for the little finale :).

Then head to the factory stores! I opted for McArthurGlen which brings together a lot of brands in one place! Note that on November 1 they apply additional reductions (I think it’s regularly throughout the year). To give you an idea, here is what I bought :

– A Desigual bag at 33,57E instead of 80
– San Marina shoes at 59,5 instead of 130
– A jean Mango at 21E instead of 50
– And I also went to the Lindt shop  😉 

• Day 2

The second day I also spent the morning watching the final of the rugby world cup :). Then I went for a walk in the city center. It is called “the champagne cork” due to its shape. I didn’t know at all that there was this type of architecture in Troyes before I went there and that’s exactly what I like! A city center with a soul :). I was caught by the rain at the end of the day unfortunately…

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I also stopped at a chocolatier for a discovery box and a great pastry!

• Day 3

Before taking my return train I went to visit the cathedral :

Passing by the basilica (I didn’t go inside).

Then I had lunch on the terrace with a few rays of sun. It felt so good in November!

• Rsume and budget for 3 days in Troyes

I really liked this weekend in Troyes which is really a charming city! It would be a mistake to go there only for outlet stores! A short stop by the city center is essential 🙂

The budget for this weekend was 266.10E (excluding factory outlet) including :

– 62,9E of transport (train and bus)
– 102E for accomodation (3 nights)
– 70,25E of restaurant/drinks
– 30,95 other (souvenirs, …)