Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres: Heritage and Nature

Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres combines historic buildings with nature and cultural events throughout the year. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres, these themes can help guide your choice of destination. The location also offers a useful point of reference: the town is around 4 km from Troyes city centre.

Church, stained-glass windows and architectural history

The Église Saint-Parres is a hall church with an elongated floor plan. Its nave has three aisles and five bays, followed by a straight bay in the choir and a three-sided apse. This sequence describes the floor plan from the nave to the choir. The church was classified as a historic monument by decree on 26 March 1942.

The stained-glass windows also make the church a distinctive feature for a culturally focused stay. A large part of the original windows dates from the beginning and the second third of the 16th century. They have largely survived, but are incomplete. Their dating and state of preservation go hand in hand: this is a significant, but incomplete, collection.

At the château, the building’s façades and roofs, as well as those of its outbuildings, were listed as historic monuments by decree on 2 November 1979. The protected elements are thus precisely specified: the listing applies to the façades and roofs, not generally to every part of the property.

Another chapter in the area’s architectural history is the Tuilerie in Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres. It was built in 1827 on the site of former lime kilns. The Chapelle de la Tuilerie was created in 1894 in one of the Tuilerie’s buildings. It provides access to a small crypt containing a Deposition, created by the Sainterie school in Vandœuvre. The connection between the Tuilerie and the chapel brings together industrial history, architectural history and a specific work of craftsmanship.

Enjoy nature and plan around local events

The Fête de la Nature has become a regular event in Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres, held towards the end of May. Its playful environmental activities include themes relating to trees, animals and small creatures. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the exact dates in advance.

The Église Saint-Parres also takes part in the seasonal opening on 1 May as part of the Route du Vitrail. This is another cultural event tied to a specific date. It is worth checking the exact opening dates before your visit.

The Route du Balcon du Parc offers a different perspective on the landscape: leave Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres in the direction of Laubressel to reach the route. From there, you can enjoy a green and blue panorama. This viewpoint complements the town’s history with views of the surrounding countryside.

Planning your trip

Two approximate journey times are given for getting there: Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres is about 10 minutes from exit 21, Saint-Thibault, on the A5 from Paris, and about 5 minutes from exit 23, Thennelières, on the A26 route from Calais to Troyes. The two estimates refer to different motorway exits. Together with the distance of around 4 km from Troyes city centre, they provide several points of reference when choosing where to stay.

The sights and events offer different focuses: the Église Saint-Parres and the Chapelle de la Tuilerie showcase architectural and art history, while the Fête de la Nature and the Route du Balcon du Parc highlight nature. This can help you decide whether to plan your stay around a cultural event, late May or an excursion into the countryside.

A local address for praline

Maison Caffet runs a chocolate and pastry shop in Saint-Parres-aux-Tertres specialising in praline. If you would like to include this culinary stop in your travel plans, check the opening details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Rosières-Près-Troyes, Argancon, Brévonnes, Lesmont, Dosnon, La Saulsotte, Barberey-Saint-Sulpice, Fontaine-Les-Grès.

For the regional travel guide: Aube.