Book a arivate van service transportation between Charles de Gaulle airport and  Troyes

 

• Saint-Pierre-and-Saint-Paul cathedral of Troyes
• Saint-Urbain Basilica of Troyes
• The Bakery house
• Stay at the Hotel de la Gare Troyes Center
• Travel to the heart of Troyes La Champagne
• High quality professional transfer service from Roissy CDG to Troyes

 

 

Saint-Pierre-and-Saint-Paul cathedral of Troyes

The Saint-Peter-and-Saint-Paul Cathedral in Troyes is an exceptional monument, brimming with historical and religious significance. Having weathered centuries, even millennia, it stands as a stunning testament to the religious heritage of France and a jewel in the city of Troyes.

 

A Testament to Time and Transformation

Early mentions of a cathedral dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the present-day Aube department can be traced back to the onset of the second millennium. After a destructive fire in 1188, the cathedral rose from the ashes in a distinctly Gothic style. However, the construction was never fully completed and some initial plans, like the south tower dedicated to St. Paul, were abandoned. Over many centuries, this monument has experienced substantial change, from architectural modifications and destruction to prolonged construction interruptions.

 

A Resilient Monument

Despite the damage inflicted during the French Revolution, the cathedral miraculously survived the upheavals of the 20th century, including two World Wars. Remarkably, its exquisite stained-glass windows and intricate sculptures have withstood the ravages of time and the tumultuous periods they have spanned.

 

Artistic Treasures of the Cathedral

In addition to its rich history, the cathedral is a repository of significant artworks. Its most acclaimed treasures include its vibrant stained-glass windows and the various sculptures from diverse epochs of human history. Despite their age and the delicate nature of their preservation, these artefacts have endured the test of time, particularly the numerous medieval works. Inside, the church showcases magnificent Gothic craft, though the outdoor sculptures were sadly destroyed during the French Revolution.

 

Artisans of the Cathedral

The Saint-Peter-and-Saint-Paul Cathedral is a magnificent canvas adorned by the contributions of many artists over centuries. Among these are the visionary architects like Martin Chambiges who transformed the cathedral while maintaining its unique style. Pioneering stained-glass artists, including Léonard Gontier, created monumental works within the edifice, with 'Le Pressoir Mystique' being a highly recommended masterpiece. In the realm of wood carving, craftsman Henri Triquetti showcased his skill, particularly on the preaching pulpit. Lastly, the Troyes School of stone and clay sculpture has contributed many works, such as the 'Madonna and Child'.

For those interested in visiting this historic gem, organizing an airport transfer directly from CDG to Troyes is a specialty service we offer, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey to the heart of France's ecclesiastical history.

 

 

Saint-Urbain Basilica of Troyes

Troyes is one of the rare cities in France that can lay claim to having given birth to popes. Among them, Pope Urban IV, a Troyes native, is particularly well-known for bequeathing the Saint-Urbain Basilica to the city. This significant structure was raised to the status of a basilica in 1964.

 

A Papal Vision

Pope Urban IV, born Jacques Pantaléon, was the driving force behind the creation of this cathedral. Elected pope in 1261, Pantaléon ascended to this position without ever becoming a cardinal within the Catholic hierarchy. He expressed a desire to construct this church and commissioned its building on the very site where his father once worked. Regrettably, he never lived to see the basilica's completion and, moreover, never resided in Vatican City as pope. He passed away in Perugia just three years after initiating the basilica's construction.

 

The Masterstroke of Jean Langlois

The pope entrusted the construction of the church to the architect Jean Langlois. The project incurred a considerable expense. Interestingly, the basilica was not initially well-received, especially by the religious community. Conflicts even arose with followers of the Abbey of Notre Dame aux Nonnains. Additionally, the basilica's construction occurred in phases, with major defects in the nave only rectified in 1379. Specialists agree that the basilica was only finalized in 1905 following substantial restoration work.

 

Artistic Gems within the Basilica

The Saint-Urbain Basilica is home to exceptional works of art. Foremost among these are its exquisite stained glass windows, a hallmark of Troyes' heritage. These vibrant windows depict scenes from the Passion of Christ and notable figures from Christianity, renowned worldwide for their beauty. Their dynamic, colorful style is a visual feast. Additionally, the basilica features high-quality, subtly impressive sculptures such as the "Virgen au raisin". Lastly, the architecture of the basilica itself is an invaluable asset. Its simplified Gothic style allows abundant natural light to play within the space, creating a serene, illuminating ambiance. To facilitate your visit, an agent can meet you right at the plane's door for a direct transfer to Troyes, setting you on a path of historical discovery.

 

The Bakery house

The Bakery House in Troyes stands as a remarkable cultural heritage site, forming a fascinating bridge between Old Troyes and its more contemporary aspects.

 

A Bastion to be Preserved at All Costs

For a time, Rue Champeaux and Rue Paillot de Montabert were often associated with vice and illicit activities. Nevertheless, it's at the intersection of these two streets that the Bakery House was built. For decades, the rehabilitation of these ancient dwellings was not a priority for city administrations, who favored constructing affordable housing over renovating the old. Louis Dumont, a local advocate, was the one to draw attention to the plight of Troyes' historical sites, particularly the Bakery House. He persistently advocated for the preservation of this crucial aspect of Trojan culture.

 

A Historical Monument Since 1958

Thanks to the efforts of Louis Dumont and André Seurre, particularly their persistent advocacy with various state institutions, the Bakery House was designated a historical monument in the late 1950s. Substantial funds were allocated for its restoration. The building's wooden structure posed significant challenges during this process. Once restored, this building, formerly owned by the Benoist family who supplied bread to many of the city's grand hotels, transformed into a cultural center of Troyes, celebrating diverse artistic expressions.

 

An Extraordinary Venue to Celebrate Culture

This residence embodies the quintessential architectural style of Troyes, which is a factor that saved it from destruction. Since 1975, it has served as a cultural hub for the city, providing a platform for all forms of art and human creativity. Its primary mission is to promote these cultural expressions. A diverse and well-curated program of events is offered throughout the year, encompassing one-man shows, musical performances, and book presentations. Renowned figures in the entertainment industry, including Jules Box, the Symphonic Orchestra of Aube, and Christophe Willem, have graced its stage. To make your visit easier, do not hesitate to contact us to book one of our cars.