Troyes or Rouen...Paris day trip in December
 

Wondering if you can share your experience with Troyes or Rouen. We'd like to make a day trip from Paris (by train). I have been reviewing FrenchMystiqueTours list of day trip options plus other similar questions on Fodor's. Based on that research, I think I have it narrowed to Troyes or Rouen.

We have not been to either and both look like they have much to offer. We will be there over Christmas and would likely visit the Thursday or Friday before Christmas. I assume both will have some version of a Christmas market. We aren't expecting perfect weather in December.

If you have been to both, I would love to know your thoughts and experiences, pros and cons as you see it... If you have been to one, what led you there? What did you enjoy? Anything you were disappointed in?

I am thinking either would make a great trip but am always interested in your opinions! Thanks in advance, as I always get great info from my fellow Fodorites.

Sorry I can't respond to your specific question -- I haven't been to Troyes, but though Rouen well worth 1.5 days....

Good luck!

I wouldn't consider either as a daytrip. I've been to both (Rouen several times and Troyes twice) and spent 2-3 days in each. What led me there? I dunno, just general curiosity and in the case of Rouen, Jeanne d'Arc and the restaurant scene. Troyes? Because it was en route to somewhere else and had a ton of history. Loved them both, but would not consider either or them a daytrip from Paris.

Both are great. I am in awe with the cathedral of Troyes so ...

We've been to both several times (each as overnight trips - Troyes just last year). There is a lot to enjoy in both - perhaps Rouen is easier to get to by train from Paris.

Stu Dudley

It depends on your tastes. If you like Monet, you might want to choose Rouen for its cathedral, and also visit other sights in the town. Michelin recommends its fine arts museum, which we did not have the time to see.

If you like ethnographic museums, Troyes' tool and trade museum is definitely worth a visit (http://www.en.charpentiers.culture.f...andtrademuseum ). The cathedral is also one of the impressive Gothic cathedrals that circle the Île de France. For a partial list of Troyes' museums: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...e_Ardenne.html

I've been to both as day trips and regard them about equally in interests. I guess I was a little more interested in Rouen but that's because I'm a big history buff and have read a lot about Joan of Arc. And of course, I was interested in seeing the cathedral Monet painted.

I think both have a handful of museums but nothing outstanding that I consider a major reason for going there. And both have cathedrals and Medieval buildings. Both have pleasant enough main squares.

I agree with those saying both are good places to visit. I think both can be good day trips from Paris as well Troyes, however, has a population less than half the size of Rouen and seems much more "small town." So, if you are tiring of the hustle and bustle of a big city (even Paris can do that to a person from time to time), I'd suggest Troyes as the best "change of pace." Otherwise, consider all the other pros and cons listed above and see which resonates with you. You can't go wrong.

Thank you for the replies...I have considered the Monet angle for Rouen, as I do love Monet. The Joan of Arc historical aspect is also a good reason to head to Rouen although I hate even thinking about her fate. JulieV, I was also thinking that Troyes might be a plus because it is smaller. I am now intrigued by the comments on the cathedral in Troyes.

Decisions, decisions.....this info is really good and more is welcome!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7624529919999/ and the next 12 pictures

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...7624436592493/ and the next 20+ pictures

Hi Denisea,

Always glad to catch your posts!

We were just in Troyes. It's an interesting little town. However, we've always wanted to do a day trip to Rouen. That's still on our list. From what I gleaned about your interest in Monet, I'd suggest Rouen. I agree with the historical aspect of Joan of Arc, though sad to ponder her fate. Whatever your choice, enjoy!

We have yet to make it to Troyes. We have taken one day excursions to Rouen on our last two trips. The first was from Paris in 2015. A quick train ride up from Lazare and spent the day just visiting some of the sights and shopping for DW.

This year, we added Rouen to our Normandy trip on the last day before returning to finish our trip in Paris. Left Caen in the morning, arrived around lunch time, checked in the hotel, toured the Cathedral, walked the old downtown, visited the Joan of Arc church and the pyre area. Returned to the hotel, and had reservations made for a local restaurant that we all loved, and then came home early due to rain. Awoke the next morning for an early train to Paris.

Things left to do there: visit the Jean d'Arc museum that is just east of the Cathedrale, take a long tour of the Beaux Arts museum, and vist St. Maclou. If we go back and stay overnight, I would like to stay in Hotel de Bourgtheroulde too. We loved the location and amenities of the Mercure Centre Cathedrale, but the other place looks wonderful.

Thanks all. Michael, I appreciate the link to your photos!