Aube, the department
Looking for your next vacation destination? The Aube departmentnestled in the heart of the region Great Eastis an invitation to discover. With its rich historical, cultural and natural heritage, as well as its renowned gastronomy, Aube promises a variety of experiences to suit all tastes.
Our guide will take you on a tour of the Aube region, where history, nature and culture mingle. Discover the birthplace of such historic figures as General de Gaulle, the poet Ronsard and the painter Renoir. Let yourself be tempted by outdoor activities - hiking, cycling, golf, 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
Aube, a French department, is marked by a rich history that has profoundly influenced its heritage. The region offers the chance to visit exceptional sites that reflect the history of Champagne and France as a whole.
The city of Troyes: a medieval heart
Troyes, capital of the Aube region, is notable for its fascinating history. Originally founded by the Tricassian Gauls, Troyes came under the influence of the Romans, Franks and Carolingians. Its golden age came in 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.
Troyes' historic center, with its medieval layout and colorful half-timbered houses, is a must-see. The Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul cathedral, a jewel of Gothic architecture, is famous for its exceptional stained-glass windows. Don't miss the Musée d'Art Moderne, featuring works by Aube-born Renoir, and the Musée de la Bonneterie, which explores the history of the region's textile industry.
The Templar Commanderies: a dive into the history of the Crusades
Aube played a key role in the history of the Order of the Temple, a 12th-century military and religious organization dedicated to protecting pilgrims in the Holy Land. Several commanderies established by the Knights Templar in the département are open to visitors.
These historic sites offer a fascinating insight into the life and rituals of the Knights Templar. Among the most remarkable are the Avalleur commandery, the oldest in France, the Payns commandery, 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
Aube plays an important role in Champagne production, second only to Marne. The department is home to over 6,000 hectares of vines, spread over four main wine-growing areas. The Route du Champagne is an invitation to explore these landscapes, discover charming villages and visit cellars steeped in history.
Champagne tasting, using the traditional Champagne method of secondary fermentation in the bottle, is a key part of this exploration. You'll also have the opportunity to learn about the history of this sparkling wine, thanks in particular to Dom Pérignon, the 17th-century monk who greatly contributed to perfecting its production.
Outdoor activities in Aube
Aube, a department rich in outdoor activities, welcomes lovers of thrills, relaxation and discovery with a variety of options for all tastes and levels. Discover what Aube has to offer to enrich your outdoor experience.
Hiking around the lakes of the Orient Forest
The Orient Forest Regional Nature Park, with its three large man-made lakes - Lac d'Orient, Lac du Temple and Lac Amance - is a haven of biodiversity. Surrounded by forests, meadows and wetlands rich in flora and fauna, these lakes are ideal for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. Explore the region's landscapes and heritage while enjoying water-based activities such as sailing, canoeing, waterskiing or fishing, on the lakes or on the Seine that runs through them.
Skydiving and hot-air ballooning: Aube's skies at your fingertips
For adrenaline junkies, the Aube region offers skydiving experiences, with the option of jumping in tandem with an instructor or training to become autonomous. Admire the breathtaking view of the Champagne countryside, its vineyards, villages and churches. For a gentler activity, opt for a hot-air balloon flight, a poetic way to fly over Aube on the wind, discovering its nature, monuments and historic sites, including the city of Troyes, the Templar commanderies or the champagne route.
Canal de la Haute-Seine: as the water flows
The Canal de la Haute-Seine, a historic 19th-century waterway linking the Seine to the Marne via the Aube, 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. You can also follow the vélovoie, a cycle path that runs alongside the canal, offering a picturesque ride through villages, forests and fields.
Culture and gastronomy: Aube, a land of flavours and expertise
The Aube department is renowned for preserving and showcasing its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. It offers a multitude of sites, products and events that reflect its richness and diversity.
The Cité du Vitrail: a showcase for glass art
The art of stained glass, an ancestral technique for creating motifs or scenes by assembling pieces of colored glass, is emblematic of the Aube region. The department is home to an exceptional heritage 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 mediation of stained glass. Visiting this site allows you to delve into the history, techniques and mysteries of stained glass through exhibitions, workshops, events and guided tours.
Local gastronomy: discover the specialities of the Aubagne region
Aube, a land of gastronomy, offers a palette of tasty local specialties. These include Champagne, the region's famous sparkling wine, and Rosé des Riceys, a unique red wine made from Pinot Noir grapes. Chaource cheese, a soft cheese with a bloomy rind, is a must-try and goes perfectly with champagne.
Andouillette de Troyes, a traditional charcuterie made from chaudins and pork stomachs, is another local specialty, enjoyed grilled or accompanied by a chaource sauce. Gourmets won't want to miss out on the region's sweet delicacies, such as Reims pink cookies, gingerbread and macaroons.
Events and festivals: the Aube cultural calendar
The lively Aube region offers a wide range of quality events and festivals all year round. Theater, music, dance, circus and puppet shows showcase contemporary creation and local heritage. Popular events, meanwhile, celebrate regional traditions and know-how.
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
There's no doubt that Aube is a department rich in discoveries for visitors. Whether your passion is history, nature, culture or gastronomy, the Aube region has plenty to fascinate, entertain and delight your taste buds.
Don't delay, plan your Aube getaway now and explore the many dimensions of this exceptional region. It's an experience you 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, around 150 km southeast of Paris.
What is the Aube zone for school vacations?
The Aube zone for school vacations is zone B. Aube is part of the Grand Est region.
What are the major towns in Aube?
The main towns in the Aube region, in terms of population, are Troyes with 61,957 inhabitants, Romilly-sur-Seine with 14,480, and Saint-André-les-Vergers with 12,784, according to the 2007 census.
Where to live in Aube?
For the best quality of life in Aube, 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 prefecture of the department, famous for its art and history heritage, as well as its tourist and commercial appeal.
- Barberey-Saint-Sulpice (3.2/5)
- The highest-rated town in the Aube region for communes with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants, offering a peaceful, green living environment.
- Romilly-sur-Seine (3.1/5)
- The second most populous town in the Aube region, appreciated for its community fabric, sports and cultural facilities, and easy access to nature.
- La Chapelle-Saint-Luc (3/5)
- A dynamic, supportive town with a wealth of public services, green spaces and an aquatic center.
