Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte Apothecary
Step into history at the Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte, exploring a preserved apothecary, medicinal gardens, and stunning stained glass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte Apothecary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at the Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte, exploring a preserved apothecary, medicinal gardens, and stunning stained glass.
"Impressed by the glasses in the stairs and the entire museum. A beautiful sight to see and a beautiful collection."
⏳ Take Your Time
Allow ample time to truly appreciate the history and details of the apothecary and gardens.
🌿 Explore the Garden
The medicinal garden offers a unique insight into historical treatments.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Apothecary
Apothecary Room
Marvel at antique medicine containers and learn about historical remedies. A true glimpse into past medical practices.
Medicinal Gardens
Garden
Discover plants used for centuries to create remedies, with informative plaques detailing their uses.
Stained Glass City
Various Rooms
Admire exquisite stained glass through the ages, including a fascinating exhibition on the restoration of Notre Dame's windows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Beyond the Apothecary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Take Your Time
Allow ample time to truly appreciate the history and details of the apothecary and gardens.
🌿 Explore the Garden
The medicinal garden offers a unique insight into historical treatments.
✨ Admire the Glass
Don't miss the impressive stained glass collections throughout the venue.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Guides can offer fascinating insights into the exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Take Your Time
Allow ample time to truly appreciate the history and details of the apothecary and gardens.
🌿 Explore the Garden
The medicinal garden offers a unique insight into historical treatments.
✨ Admire the Glass
Don't miss the impressive stained glass collections throughout the venue.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Guides can offer fascinating insights into the exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte's historical depth, particularly its well-preserved apothecary and fascinating medicinal gardens. The 'Stained Glass City' exhibition also receives high praise for its artistry and the detailed look at restoration efforts. While some find the ticketing structure a bit confusing, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational and visual appeal.
"Passing through the beautiful city of Troyes for a tourist stay, we visited this place steeped in history where science and medicine have their place. We were impressed by what we saw, especially in the apothecary where the containers of all kinds of medicines were kept. The history of this place is well explained to us. You have to take your time to see and understand how this place, which served as a hospital for several generations, worked, with the well-being of the patients in mind.
We also visited the garden where all the plants present were used to make remedies to treat patients. There were some plaques explaining what the different plants were actually used for."
CLAUDE GOHLKE
"Visit to the Once Upon a Time in Montreal / The French of Montreal exhibition with a great guide. Very interesting to see. In a great location. Then an apothecary and stained glass city. A very good time."
Vivi Simeone
"Last visit to the Montreal exhibition.
Besides the beautiful exhibits, the venue is magnificent and well worth a visit."
Dp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte is located in the heart of Troyes. It's easily accessible by foot if you're already exploring the city center. Public transport options include local buses that stop nearby. Parking can be challenging in the historic center, so consider public transport or walking.
Yes, it's very walkable from many of Troyes' main attractions, including the historic streets and other museums.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date times before your visit.
Admission fees apply, and there might be different ticket options for various exhibitions. Some reviews mention an 'appetizer section' not being free, suggesting separate ticketing for certain areas.
While not always necessary, purchasing tickets in advance online can sometimes save time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check their website for online booking options.
It's worth inquiring at the Troyes tourist office if any city passes or combined tickets are available that might offer a discount for visiting multiple sites, including the Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main draw is the historic apothecary with its collection of antique medicine containers. You can also explore the medicinal gardens and the 'Stained Glass City' exhibition. +1
Children might find the apothecary and the medicinal garden interesting, especially if they have a curiosity for history and nature. The stained glass can also be visually captivating.
To fully appreciate the exhibits, especially the apothecary and gardens, plan for at least 1-2 hours. If you're very interested in stained glass, you might want more time.
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to look for signage or ask staff upon entry. Some areas might have restrictions, especially for flash photography.
Yes, guided tours are often available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the history and exhibits.
📸 📸 Photography
The apothecary room with its rows of bottles offers unique photographic opportunities. The medicinal garden provides lovely shots of plants, and the stained glass windows are, of course, stunning. +1
The stained glass is a major visual highlight. While general photography is usually permitted, check for any specific restrictions on flash or tripods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the more visual aspects and storytelling elements of the apothecary. While the historical context might be complex, the sheer number of old bottles and the idea of ancient remedies can spark curiosity. Look for any interactive displays or guided tours that might be tailored for younger audiences.
🏛️ History Buffs
The stained glass exhibitions, particularly the segment on Notre Dame's restoration, offer insights into art history, conservation techniques, and architectural heritage. Combined with the historical significance of the building itself as a former hospital, it provides a multi-faceted historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Healing: The Apothecary
Beyond just the visual display, the apothecary serves as a testament to the evolution of healthcare. It highlights the transition from traditional herbalism to more formalized pharmaceutical practices. The detailed explanations provided about the plants and their uses in the adjacent gardens further enrich this understanding, showing how nature was the primary source for healing.
The experience is deeply immersive, allowing visitors to imagine the daily life of those who worked and were treated here. It’s a powerful reminder of how far medical science has come, while also honoring the ingenuity and care of historical practitioners.
A Spectrum of Light: The Stained Glass City
A particularly compelling part of the exhibition is the focus on the restoration of Notre Dame's stained glass windows, specifically those from the 1930s. This section provides fascinating insights into the meticulous work involved in preserving these delicate masterpieces, highlighting both historical techniques and modern conservation efforts.
The venue itself is a beautiful backdrop for these luminous artworks, with the architecture enhancing the viewing experience. The interplay of light through the glass creates a captivating atmosphere, making it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts alike.
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