The best cycling routes around Villemereuil

Fun facts & legends • In 1789, the police wanted to put up fences because the alley was notorious as a meeting place for lovers. • A local legend tells of a pregnant woman who was miraculously saved when a wall “moved aside” in front of her belly. • The street is also said to have played a role during epidemics: the many cats helped keep rat populations under control. Why visit? • Very photogenic: One of the most photographed places in Troyes – often featured on postcards. • Historic and romantic: Perfect for those who love medieval towns and hidden gems. • Nearby: You’ll also find cozy cafés and a cat café (“Troyes Petits Chats”), plus a pretty courtyard called Cour du Mortier d’Or and the Jardin Juvénal-des-Ursins.

The Ruelle des Chats, or Cat Alley, is one of the most charming and famous streets in the old town of Troyes, located in the Champagne region of France. ⸻ 🏛️ History & Architecture • Medieval origins: The alley dates back to the 15th century and was rebuilt after a major fire in 1524. • Why the name “Cat Alley”?: The houses are built so that their upper floors almost lean against each other. It is said that a cat could jump from one roof to the other — hence the name. • Typical half-timbering: The street is paved with a gutter in the middle for rainwater, and the houses are half-timbered with wooden beams that stabilize the whole. ⸻ 🌆 Atmosphere & charm • Romantic appearance: The narrow passage and leaning facades create a mysterious, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. • Reconstruction: In 2014, several half-timbered houses were rebuilt based on old prints and photos. • Preserved thanks to heritage protection: In the 1960s, the street was saved from demolition by the efforts of heritage organisations and Minister André Malraux.

The impressive Troyes Cathedral was begun in the 12th century and completed in the 17th century. The structure is truly impressive. Don't miss a visit to the interior.

Shaded trails through the Jeugny Forest. It's a pleasant place to cycle for a stroll in nature.

Saint-Jean-de-Bonneval is located about twenty kilometers from Troyes. There you will find the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, of medieval origin. The village is surrounded by agricultural landscapes, perfect for recharging your batteries by bike.

The Dragon, created by Gildas Berthelot for L’art est dans le pré, is a wooden sculpture. With its undulating curves, it seems to emerge from the landscape. A work to see up close!

The cathedral in Troyes was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul (SAINTS PIERRE et PAUL), also known as the "Prince of the Apostles." Their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th. * Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee when he, along with his brother Andrew, was called by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men." According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle, and the two-millennia-long line of popes—currently Francis—follows his succession. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the biblical passage in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." (Chapter 16, Verse 19). * Paul was initially an opponent of the Christian movement and, unlike the other apostles, was not called to the apostleship by Jesus Christ during his lifetime. Instead, he was converted later with the famous "Damascus Experience." His attribute is the sword with which he was executed. According to Roman law at the time, such a sentence was a "privilege" (a quick death, not a long, painful death struggle like other forms of execution) reserved for the citizens of Rome.

Relaxing stroll along the canal