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Cats' Alley

Cats' Alley

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Cats' Alley

Recommended by 96 hikers out of 98

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Location: Great East, France

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Best Hikes to Cats' Alley

4.5

(2)

hikers

1. Troyes centre ville — loop from Barberey-Saint-Sulpice

15.2km

03:51

40m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

(49)

412

hikers

2. Ruelle des Chats – Beautiful half-timbered houses loop from Troyes

7.29km

01:53

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.6

(26)

149

hikers

3. Beautiful half-timbered houses – Ruelle des Chats loop from Troyes

8.97km

02:18

40m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

Viviane

June 18, 2025

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.

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🏛️ 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.

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🌆 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.

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Viviane

June 18, 2025

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.

Translated by Google •

Jeroen B-N

May 22, 2022

If you go through this narrow alley you will come to a number of restaurants.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 120 m

Weather

Today

Wednesday 29 October

16°C

11°C

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Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Location: Great East, France

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Cats' Alley

1. Troyes centre ville — loop from Barberey-Saint-Sulpice

2. Ruelle des Chats – Beautiful half-timbered houses loop from Troyes

3. Beautiful half-timbered houses – Ruelle des Chats loop from Troyes

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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