Aube, the department
Looking for your next vacation destination? The Aube Departmentnestled in the heart of the region Great East, is an invitation to explore. With its rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage, as well as its renowned cuisine, the Aube region promises a variety of experiences to suit every taste.
Our guide takes you on a tour of the must-see attractions in the Aube region, where history, nature, and culture come together. Discover the birthplace of historical figures such as General de Gaulle, the poet Ronsard, and the painter Renoir. Treat yourself to outdoor activities—hiking, biking, golf, and fishing—in diverse settings ranging from lush forests to picturesque vineyards.
And for food lovers, the local gastronomy awaits you: champagne, Chaource cheese, Reims pink cookies and Troyes sloes will tantalize your taste buds.
Explore Aube's rich history
L’Aube, a French department, has a rich history that has profoundly shaped its cultural heritage. This region offers visitors the opportunity to explore exceptional sites that reflect the history of Champagne and France as a whole.
The city of Troyes: a medieval heart
Troyes, the capital of the Aube department, is known for its fascinating history. Originally founded by the Tricasses Gauls, it later came under the influence of the Romans, the Franks, and the Carolingians. Its golden age came during the Middle Ages, when it became the capital of the Counts of Champagne and a hub for the famous Champagne fairs, attracting merchants from all over Europe.
The historic center of Troyes, with its medieval layout and colorful half-timbered houses, is a must-see. The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, a jewel of Gothic architecture, is famous for its exceptional stained-glass windows. Don’t miss the Museum of Modern Art, which features works by Renoir—a native of the Aube department—and the Museum of Knitwear, which explores the history of the region’s textile industry.
The Templar Commanderies: A Journey Through the History of the Crusades
The Aube region played a key role in the history of the Knights Templar, a 12th-century military and religious order dedicated to protecting pilgrims in the Holy Land. Several commanderies established by the Knights Templar in the department are open to visitors.
These historic sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the life and rituals of the Knights Templar. Among the most notable are the Avalleur commandery, the oldest in France; the Payns commandery, the birthplace of Hugues de Payns, founder of the Order; and the La Fontaine commandery, renowned for its magnificent Romanesque chapel.
The Champagne Route: vineyards and historic cellars
The Aube department plays an important role in champagne production, ranking second only to the Marne. The department is home to more than 6,000 hectares of vineyards, spread across four main wine-growing regions. The Champagne Route invites you to explore these landscapes, discover charming villages, and visit cellars steeped in history.
Tasting the champagne—made using the traditional Champagne method of secondary fermentation in the bottle—is a highlight of this tour. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the history of this sparkling wine, particularly thanks to Dom Pérignon, a 17th-century monk who played a major role in perfecting its production.
Outdoor Activities in the Aube Department
The Aube, a department rich in outdoor activities, welcomes thrill-seekers, those looking to relax, and explorers alike with a variety of options to suit all tastes and skill levels. Discover what the Aube has to offer to enrich your outdoor experience.
Hikes Around the Lakes of the Forêt d’Orient
The Orient Forest Regional Nature Park, with its three large man-made lakes—Lake Orient, Lake Temple, and Lake Amance—is a haven for biodiversity. Surrounded by forests, meadows, and wetlands teeming with flora and fauna, these lakes are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, whether they enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Explore the region’s landscapes and heritage while enjoying water activities such as sailing, canoeing, water skiing, or fishing, on the lakes or on the Seine River that flows through them.
Skydiving and hot-air ballooning: Aube's skies at your fingertips
For adrenaline junkies, the Aube region offers skydiving experiences, including the option to jump in tandem with an instructor or take lessons to become an independent skydiver. Take in the breathtaking views of the Champagne countryside, its vineyards, villages, and churches. For a more leisurely activity, opt for a hot-air balloon ride—a poetic way to float over the Aube region at the mercy of the wind, discovering its natural beauty, monuments, and historic sites, including the city of Troyes, the Templar commanderies, and the Champagne Route.
The Upper Seine Canal: Along the Water's Edge
The Haute-Seine Canal, a historic 19th-century waterway connecting the Seine to the Marne via the Aube River, is now a popular destination for river tourism. Rent a boat—with or without a license—and cruise at your own pace, stopping at ports or locks along the way. You can also explore the vélovoie, a bike path that runs alongside the canal, offering a picturesque journey through villages, forests, and fields.
Culture and gastronomy: Aube, a land of flavours and expertise
The Aube department is known for preserving and showcasing its rich cultural and culinary heritage. It offers a wide variety of sites, products, and events that reflect its richness and diversity.
La Cité du Vitrail: A Showcase for the Art of Glass
The art of stained glass—an ancient technique for creating patterns or scenes by assembling pieces of colored glass—is emblematic of the Aube department. This department is home to an exceptional collection of stained-glass windows in its churches, cathedrals, and historic monuments.
The Cité du Vitrail, located in Troyes, is a center dedicated to the interpretation and cultural outreach of stained glass. A visit to this site allows you to immerse yourself in the history, techniques, and mysteries of stained glass through exhibitions, workshops, activities, and guided tours.
Local gastronomy: discover the specialities of the Aubagne region
L’Aube, a land of fine dining, offers a wide variety of delicious local specialties. Among them are champagne, the region’s famous sparkling wine, and Rosé des Riceys, a unique red wine made from Pinot Noir. Chaource cheese, a soft cheese with a bloomy rind, is a must-try that pairs perfectly with champagne.
Andouillette de Troyes, a traditional sausage made from pork intestines and stomachs, is another local specialty, enjoyed grilled or served with a Chaource cheese sauce. Food lovers won’t want to miss sampling the region’s sweet treats, such as the pink biscuit from Reims, gingerbread, and macarons.
Events and festivals: the Aube cultural calendar
The dynamic and lively Aube region offers a wide range of high-quality events and festivals year-round. Whether it’s theater, music, dance, circus, or puppetry, these performances highlight contemporary art and local heritage. Meanwhile, popular festivals celebrate regional traditions and craftsmanship.
Visitors can also enjoy the Saint-Vincent festival, dedicated to the patron saint of winegrowers, the Champagne fair, which has brought Troyes to life since the Middle Ages, and the Nuits de Champagne festival, featuring renowned choral artists.
Conclusion
Aube is, without a doubt, a department rich in discoveries for visitors. Whether your passion is history, nature, culture, or fine dining, the Aube region has plenty to fascinate you, entertain you, and delight your taste buds.
Don't wait any longer—plan your getaway to the Aube region today and explore the many facets of this exceptional area. It's an experience you certainly won't regret!
FAQ
Where is department 10 on the map of France?
Department 10, known as Aube, is located in the western part of the Grand-Est region, about 150 km southeast of Paris.
What is the Aube region for school vacations?
The Aube area is in Zone B for school vacations. Aube is a department in the Grand Est region.
What are the major cities in the Aube department?
The largest cities in the Aube department, in terms of population, are Troyes with 61,957 residents, Romilly-sur-Seine, with 14,480 residents, and Saint-André-les-Vergers, with 12,784 residents, according to the 2007 census.
Where to live in the Aube department?
For the best quality of life in the Aube department, here are the five best towns according to the *Journal du Dimanche*:
- Nogent-sur-Seine (4.2/5)
- Renowned for its cultural heritage, dynamic economy and proximity to Paris.
- Troyes (3.3/5)
- The department's prefecture, famous for its artistic and historical heritage, as well as its appeal to tourists and businesses.
- Barberey-Saint-Sulpice (3.2/5)
- The highest-rated town in the Aube department among municipalities with fewer than 2,000 residents, offering a peaceful and green living environment.
- Romilly-sur-Seine (3.1/5)
- The second-most populous city in the Aube department, known for its vibrant community organizations, its sports and cultural facilities, and its easy access to nature.
- La Chapelle-Saint-Luc (3/5)
- A vibrant and supportive city, with many public services, green spaces, and a water park.
