Aube is a department in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, known for its champagne production and medieval heritage. The region features charming countryside, historic towns, and extensive vineyards.
Browse Aube campsites Eiffel Tower, Paris Photo by Chris Karidis on UnsplashAube has a rich medieval history as part of the historic County of Champagne. The region became famous for champagne wine production in the 17th century and remains one of France's premier champagne-producing areas.
TER service linking Paris-Est to Troyes in around 1.5 hours, running through the Champagne vineyards and the Seine valley – a straightforward and scenic way into the region without a car.
Regional trains and connections along this historic east-west corridor pass through the Aube countryside and Côte des Bar vineyard fringes before climbing towards the Vosges and Switzerland.
This long-distance trail follows the Seine valley through the Aube, passing vineyard slopes, riverside meadows and small villages such as Bar-sur-Seine.
Part of the historic pilgrimage route towards Santiago de Compostela via Vézelay, crossing the Aube through quiet farmland and forest, including sections near Troyes.
A network of waymarked walking paths around Lac d'Orient, Lac du Temple and Lac Amance through mixed forest and lakeside reserves, good for spotting cranes in autumn/winter.
Flat, family-friendly greenway and forest tracks circling the lakes of the Forêt d'Orient park, mixing tarmac and gravel sections away from traffic.
A signed touring route through the Aube's Champagne vineyards south of Troyes, linking villages like Les Riceys, Essoyes and Bar-sur-Seine – hillier than the lakes routes but rewarding for wine-focused cycling.
The Aube's historic capital, known for its half-timbered medieval streets shaped like a champagne cork, a Gothic cathedral, and several excellent small museums housed in old mansions.
A quiet Champagne village where Pierre-Auguste Renoir lived and painted for over 30 summers; his house and studio are open to visitors, and the village sits on the Seine amid vineyards.
A former Champagne fair town with a well-preserved old centre, timber-framed houses and easy access to Côte des Bar vineyard slopes.
The main village on the shores of Lac d'Orient, with beaches, watersports bases and views over the largest of the three Forêt d'Orient lakes.
The village giving its name to the well-known local soft cheese, with a Gothic church and a small dairy museum.
Visit small, family-run growers around Les Riceys, Bar-sur-Aube and Bar-sur-Seine, an area producing a large share of the grapes used in Champagne but with far fewer coach tours than Reims or Épernay.
The three artificial lakes of the Forêt d'Orient regional park offer beaches, sailing clubs and stand-up paddle rental in summer, plus quiet birdwatching (notably cranes) in the colder months.
Wander the 'ruelles' of half-timbered houses in the Vauluisant and Quartier des Bouchers districts, and visit the cathedral's stained glass and the Musée d'Art Moderne.
Troyes is one of France's original factory-outlet towns, with several outlet villages on the outskirts offering discounted French fashion brands.
See the painter's house, garden and studio, and the family tomb in the local cemetery, in the village that inspired many of his late works.
Aube cuisine centres on Champagne country produce: andouillette de Troyes (a coarse, offal-based sausage, often grilled and served with mustard) is the region's best-known dish, alongside Chaource, a soft, creamy AOC cow's-milk cheese made in the south of the department. Local Champagne mustard and vineyard snails (escargots) also feature on menus, and the Côte des Bar vineyards produce much of the Pinot Noir used in Champagne, giving plenty of opportunity for cellar-door tastings. Freshwater fish from the Forêt d'Orient lakes and simple, hearty dishes built around pork, cabbage and root vegetables round out traditional Aube cooking.
A large regional nature park east of Troyes centred on three artificial lakes (Orient, Temple, Amance) and extensive forest, important for migratory birds, watersports and low-key camping and hiking.
An international film festival held in Troyes in late November/early December, screening thriller and crime films with guest directors and actors.
Grape-harvest festivals held in Champagne villages such as Les Riceys and Bar-sur-Seine in September, marking the start of the picking season with local food and wine.
Troyes' Christmas market fills the half-timbered old town centre through December with stalls, food and seasonal lighting.
