Textiles and fashion

In the Middle Ages, Reims and Troyes wool cloth became renowned and was traded at the influential Champagne Fairs. In the 19th century, other centres in Ardennes, such as Rethel with the Mouzon felt spinning mill, brought the region as a whole into the industrial age. Reims maintained the tradition of fine wool cloth, whereas Troyes took another path in the middle of the 18th century, that of knitwear, and in the 20th century became a major centre.

To get a glimpse of this golden age, visit the Mouzon Museum-workshop and learn about the oldest textile in the world, felt. In Troyes, the Hôtel de Vauluisant is devoted to local knitwear. As for the Moulin de la Fleuristerie in Orges, it still produces accessories for Haute-couture and the decorative arts.