Troyes
Troyes has one of the largest concentrations of 16th century half-timbered houses.
The origins of the use of wood in the construction of housing in Champagne date back to the Bronze Age (1800 to 1000 B.C.). In Troyes, the oldest half-timbered houses date from the end of the 15th century and the others from the 16th century. In the Middle Ages, the houses were mainly built of wood. Troyes being a city surrounded by forests (the forest of Othe, Chaource, Der, Orient). These forests abounded in wood, especially oak used for the construction of houses.
However, the Great Fire of May 24, 1524 destroyed a large part of the upper districts of the city ("corps" of the cork), built mainly of wood. Reconstruction gave the city the appearance it has today.
Last updated on 21/11/2022 - Troyes La Champagne Tourisme