Caci & Charles
Things To Do
Troyes
Troyes, the city of a thousand colors, is an often overlooked gem of France. It's the historical capital of Europe for fabric-making where fabrics were dyed and clothes were made. This town is worth a visit for the architecture, churches, museums, and food! Known for the Andouillette sausage, the Chaource cheese, the Prunelle de Troyes and the Champagne of course. Its medieval old town features narrow, cobbled streets lined with colorful, half-timbered houses, mostly dating from the 16th century. The town is home to several Gothic churches with striking stained-glass windows. These include the Troyes Cathedral, the Église Sainte-Madeleine and the Basilique Saint-Urbain.
Chablis
The village of Chablis gives its name to one of the most famous French white wines. Chablis is made with Chardonnay, a grape that grows particularly well in the region. The town of Chablis is surrounded by vineyards within a radius of 5 kilometres. These together form the Chablis wine region, one of the smallest wine districts in France. Many wineries are closed on Sundays. You can generally just walk in, especially at larger houses such as Domaine Brocard and Albert Bichot. At smaller Chablis wineries it may be wise to call in advance.
Guédelon Castle
Guédelon Castle is a castle currently under construction near Treigny, France. The castle is the focus of an experimental archaeology project aimed at recreating a 13th-century castle and its environment using period technique, dress, and material.
Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Sens
Sens was the first cathedral to be built in the Gothic architectural style. The choir was begun between 1135 and 1140, shortly before Notre Dame de Paris. The cathedral, dedicated to Saint Stephen, is the seat of the Archbishop of Sens.
Auxerre
Although they dominate the skyline, Auxerre is much more than just crypts and churches - the town itself has a great deal to offer as you explore and much of the old historic centre of the town is now a region of protected development. There are attractive squares where you can take a rest in a cafe, joined by narrow medieval streets and a myriad of attractive ancient houses, often with half-timbered facades. The parts of Auxerre around the town hall and the clock tower are the most interesting. The highlight is the old town gateway in the heart of Auxerre Old Town, a 15th century clocktower where the ochre and gold coloured sundial and moondial can be seen. The tower is in the heart of the pedestrianised centre of Auxerre.
Champagne Joseph Perrier
A family business founded in 1825 in Chalons en Champagne, Joseph Perrier has been passing on its know-how for five generations. In the heart of superb Gallo-Roman cellars, the Joseph Perrier House offers us gourmet champagnes. With the same commitment, it creates beautiful vintages from a sustainable viticulture and always in small quantities. It continues to increase its excellent reputation in the world; it exports three quarters of its production. Visit in English or french, you can book online.
Montargis
Nicknamed the 'Venice of the Gâtinais' due its network of canals, 17 bridges and pretty waterside houses, Montargis is a lovely town to wander round. Visitors can also explore the town's museums: the Musée Girodet with its collections of paintings, drawings and sculptures, and the Musée du Gâtinais, which has objects dating from prehistory and the Gallo-Roman period on display. Those of you with a sweet tooth can savour the famous local speciality, Montargis pralines: delicious caramelised roasted almonds.
Provins
Provins is a town in north-central France near Paris. Its medieval architecture includes high ramparts with fortified gates, and the stone Tithe Barn. The barn was used as a market when Provins was a medieval trading hub and host of a major annual trade fair. With views over Provins, the hilltop César tower dates from the 12th century. The town's underground tunnels feature centuries-old wall inscriptions.
Musée Camille Claudel
When it opened on March 26, 2017, the Musée Camille Claudel in Nogent-sur-Seine became the first museum in France dedicated to a woman artist. Situated in the sculptor's former home, the museum displays approximately half of Claudel's existing artwork, including a bust of her teacher, Auguste Rodin. Claudel started working in Rodin's workshop in 1883 and became a source of inspiration for him. She acted as his model, his confidante, his lover and eventually ended up as rivals. Many of Claudel's sculptures can also be seen at the Musée Rodin in Paris, which has a room dedicated to her work.