Experience in Troyes, France by Perrine

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What is it like to live in Troyes? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I am from this city and I am studying there (but I also had the opportunity to live abroad in Finland and in Spain).

The city is quite small (200 000 inhabitants) but really lovely. The architectural and historical building are everywhere in the city, you never get bored by that. There is also a lot of student (1/9 inhabitant is a student) so there are a lot of party and activities!

There are only buses in this city but you can also walk or take a bike, as I said the city is quite small.

And there are really known shopping places with famous brands for cheap prices during sales.

What is the student lifestyle like in Troyes?

Most of the time, you can party in your flat or one of your friend. If you have a good neighborhood, you can party every night! If you don't, be careful of them because they can call the police... There are also 3 nights clubs in the real center (L'Amphy/Paparazzi, Cotton and la Péniche), free entrance and 2€ of vestiaires open from the Wednesday to Saturday. Outside of the center you have 2 others nights clubs (801 and Miami), bigger, new and fresh!

How much does it cost to live in Troyes?

Approximately, you can find an appartment for 10€/m² so for a 30m² think about 300€/month. It depends if in your university you have a student cafeteria or not but in general count 100-150€ for food/home stuff per month (it depends also if you go often in restaurants, buy a lot of cosmetics etc... )

And now it depends if you party a lot or not. I use to party almost every night so for me, my budget for alchohols/night club is around 150€/month.

If you take the bus, one ticket is 1. 75€ but you can find month card about 36€/month for 36 tickets (there are different offers but I don't know them, go check on www.tcat.com if you want)

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Troyes? Is there any advice you can give?

The best website is Leboncoin.fr. Every flat is refferenced in it (professionnal or not). There are a lot of flat for rent and for students but start your researches minimum 2-3 month before your arrival (especially if you ask an agency because there are papers to fill in).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The specialities (like in every region in France) are "l'andouillette", it's a kind of sausage that I am just crazy about! And a cheese "le Chaource", it's strong but really tastfull with the previous sausage.

Except that, we don't have special food, we eat what everybody eats.

What places would you recommend visiting in Troyes?

First, visit the center. Go on the center place, there is the tourist office, ask for a map or a visit, there is a lot of to know!

After the historical center, you can visit the Cathedral Saint Pierre et Saint Paul(13th century) and also some churches (12 in total). If you have the time, spend one afternoon to the "Magasins d'Usines", it's the shopping place I've talk.

Is it good to eat out in Troyes? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

The Rosa Parks in the Champeaux street, I think it's my favorite place for "fast-food", but it's home made and completely "fair-trade" food. I think it's more healthy than mc donald/burger king/KFC or Quick(we also have those in the city so if you like fast food you won't be disapointed).

My favorite restaurant is the "Tout simplement". As their name ("all simply") you eat simple plates but with real tastes. Last time I went there, I paid 28€ for a plate, a dessert and a coffee.

Is the nightlife good in Troyes? Where is good to go?

I used to party in flats but sometimes we are going in night-club (and it's so cheap! ). We go essentially at the Cotton and sometimes (rarely) l'Amphy and la Péniche but if we have the opportunity, we go at the 801 (but it's about 45min of walking so... )

What advice would you give future students heading to Troyes?

I know it's hard to talk with local students, especially with french, but once you're a friend, it's forever!

Go to party, meet people, search on facebook some groups, meet the others exhange students... Socialize yourself.

And maybe I'll see you there! (I'am at the ESC Troyes in 3rd year).

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