Troyes

Troyes takes 1 day to see: the historic center, with 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered streets that, seen from above, trace the outline of a champagne cork, is the main walk. April-September is best. It's inexpensive by French standards. It was the historic capital of the Champagne region and host to important medieval trade fairs, and today it's also known as France's outlet-shopping capital, with a factory-outlet park on the edge of town that draws shoppers from across the country.