If you’re planning on driving from Calais to Troyes, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of wonderful places to stop en route. From the cultural town of Saint-Quentin to the impressive city of Reims, you’re sure to enjoy this French road trip.
Want to take a road trip through France?
Here, we share an itinerary for driving from Calais to Troyes so you can start planning your trip via our Dover to Calais ferry crossing.
Calais to Arras – 1hr 10m
Your first stop between Calais and Troyes should be the historic city of Arras. Home to two attractive squares, the Grand Place and the Place des Heros (Heroes Square), Arras is perfect for those who love to feel like they’ve stepped back into the past. Boasting galleries, shops, and cafés, you’ll enjoy exploring the streets while you stretch your legs and will have plenty of options when it comes to finding somewhere to have a drink and perhaps a local delicacy too.
If you’re planning on spending a little longer in Arras, book a visit to the Carrière Wellington – a network of quarry tunnels around 12m underground. Used as a shelter by Allied soldiers in WWI, this 20km network of tunnels is a wonderful memorial to those who fought in the Battle of Arras in 1917. Alternatively, head to the Quartier des Arts where you’ll find boutiques, artist’s workshops, and the Fine Arts Museum which is home to permanent exhibitions and sometimes collections loaned from Versailles too.
Arras to Saint-Quentin – 1hr
The next leg of your journey takes you to Saint-Quentin, which is listed as one of the French towns of art and history. The perfect destination for architecture fans, Saint-Quentin boasts a mix of gothic and art deco styles due to being renovated following extensive damage in both World Wars. The best way to get the most out of your time in Saint-Quentin is to get an audio guide from the tourist centre which will tell you all you need to know.
Whether you opt for an audio guide or take on a self-guided tour, you simply cannot miss the town’s main square where you’ll find its fabulous town hall. This 16th century building is decorated with 173 statues and has a belltower boasting 37 bells. Another of Saint-Quentin’s impressive buildings is its 15th century gothic basilica which features both renaissance and art deco windows and offers great photo opportunities. The town is also home to a number of niche museums, such as the Museum Antoine-Luceyer named after a 19th century portrait painter, which you could choose to visit should you have enough time to spare.
Saint-Quentin to Reims – 1hr 10m
Just over an hour from Saint-Quentin you’ll find Reims, the unofficial capital of France’s Champagne region. Another top choice for lovers of architecture, Reims is home to a striking 13th century cathedral and the neighbouring Palace of Tau – both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – plus the 11th century Saint-Remi Basilica which is a little less well-known but just as impressive.
If you’re planning on staying overnight in Reims on your journey between Calais and Troyes, a Champagne House visit should definitely be on your to-do list. Discover how champagne is made, try some for yourself, and see the fascinating chalk caves in which the bottles are stored. There are lots of Champagne Houses to choose from, with Maison de Champagne Moët & Chandon and Maison de Champagne Taittinger being two of the most well-known options. Not drinking? Visit the nearby Parc de Champagne – the largest public park in Reims – where you can take a relaxing walk.
Reims to Troyes – 1hr 25m
Drive for just under an hour and a half from Reims and you’ll reach your final destination, Troyes. Perfect for those who love all things picturesque, Troyes boasts cobbled streets lined with coloured half-timbered houses – many of which date back to the 16th century. The centre of Troyes is said to be shaped like a champagne cork, which is quite ironic as this is the ancient capital of the Champagne-Ardennes region, and you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink while you’re there.
For those seeking culture, Troyes offers a cathedral, several churches, and a number of museums. Holidaying on a budget? Purchase a museum pass to save money on entry to the Abbaye St-Loup, the Hotel-Dieu-le-Comte and the Hôtel de Vauluisant’s twin museums, the Musée de la Bonneterie, the Musée Historique, and the Musée d’Art Moderne. If you’d prefer to spend your time shopping, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Troyes. Home to three large designer outlets, you’ll be delighted to find over 100 stores selling everything from clothing to homeware.
Now that you’ve read our itinerary for driving from Calais to Troyes, book your Dover to Calais ferry crossing and starting planning your fun-packed road trip.
