Discover Aube: Champagne’s Hidden Gem
Nestled in the southern part of the Champagne region, Aube offers a unique wine experience away from the crowds. This lesser-known area produces exceptional champagnes and boasts charming villages, historic sites, and picturesque landscapes.
Towns and Villages
Explore the enchanting towns and villages of Aube:
- Troyes: The historic capital with its half-timbered houses and Gothic churches
- Bar-sur-Aube: A charming town along the Aube River, known for its champagne houses
- Les Riceys: Famous for producing three AOC wines, including the rare Rosé des Riceys
- Essoyes: The hometown of Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Wine Producers
Visit these notable champagne houses in Aube:
- Drappier in Urville: Known for its organic and low-sulfite champagnes
- Chassenay d’Arce in Ville-sur-Arce: A cooperative producing high-quality champagnes
- Devaux in Bar-sur-Seine: Offers a beautiful tasting room with vineyard views
- Rémy Massin et Fils in Ville-sur-Arce: Family-run estate with excellent champagnes
Tasting Tips
Book appointments in advance for tastings. Many producers offer tours of their cellars and vineyards.
Accommodations
Stay at these wine-themed accommodations:
- Le Clos du Relais in Colombé-le-Sec: A charming B&B in a renovated winemaker’s house
- Domaine de la Forêt d’Orient near Troyes: Luxury eco-lodges surrounded by nature
- Hôtel Le Royal in Troyes: A centrally located hotel in a historic building
- Château de la Motte in Rumilly-lès-Vaudes: An elegant château with its own vineyard
Dining
Savor local cuisine and champagne pairings at these restaurants:
- Le Valentino in Essoyes: Michelin-starred restaurant with an extensive champagne list
- La Table du Champagne at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa: Gourmet dining with panoramic views
- Le Bistroquet in Troyes: Traditional Auboise cuisine in a cozy setting
- L’Auberge du Lac in Mesnil-Saint-Père: Lakeside dining featuring local specialties
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore Aube’s wine scene at these local establishments:
- La Cave d’Essoyes: Offers a wide selection of local champagnes and wines
- Le Cellier Saint Pierre in Troyes: Historic wine cellar with tastings and events
- Aux Crieurs de Vin in Troyes: Wine bar featuring natural and biodynamic wines
- La Maison du Champagne in Bar-sur-Aube: Champagne shop with expert advice
Other Shops
Discover local products and souvenirs:
- La Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière in Troyes: Unique tools and crafts
- Les Halles de Troyes: Indoor market for local produce and specialties
- La Maison Caffet in Troyes: Renowned chocolatier and pastry shop
- Au Petit Vigneron in Bar-sur-Seine: Wine accessories and local gourmet products
Attractions
Visit these must-see attractions in Aube:
- Renoir Cultural Center in Essoyes: Explore the artist’s life and works
- Nigloland near Bar-sur-Aube: Family-friendly amusement park
- Forêt d’Orient Natural Regional Park: Outdoor activities and lake beaches
- Château de La Motte-Tilly: 18th-century château with beautiful gardens
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-related events:
- Route du Champagne en Fête (July): Open cellars and tastings across Aube
- Foires de Champagne in Troyes (May): Regional fair with wine tastings
- Jazz en Vignes (August): Jazz concerts in vineyards throughout the region
- Harvest festivals (September-October): Celebrate the grape harvest in various villages
Appellations
Understand Aube’s wine designations:
- Champagne AOC: The primary appellation for sparkling wines
- Rosé des Riceys AOC: Unique still rosé wine from Les Riceys
- Coteaux Champenois AOC: Still red and white wines from the Champagne region
Aube is part of the Côte des Bar, known for its Pinot Noir-dominant champagnes.
Grape Varieties
Chardonnay reigns supreme in Aube, Champagne. This versatile grape thrives in the region’s chalky soils, producing wines with finesse and elegance.
Other key varieties include:
- Pinot Noir: Adds body and structure to blends
- Pinot Meunier: Contributes fruitiness and roundness
- Arbane: A rare, indigenous variety preserved by some producers
Main Wine Styles
Aube Champagne offers a range of styles, from crisp Blanc de Blancs to rich Rosés. Notable styles include:
- Blanc de Noirs: Made entirely from red grapes, often Pinot Noir
- Cuvée Prestige: Premium blends showcasing the best of the region
- Single Vineyard: Terroir-driven expressions from specific plots
Food Specialties
Aube’s culinary scene complements its wines perfectly. Local specialties include:
- Andouillette de Troyes: A traditional sausage
- Chaource cheese: A creamy, soft cow’s milk cheese
- Pâté en croûte: Savory meat pie encased in pastry
Drives & Walks
Explore Aube’s picturesque landscapes through scenic routes. Recommended drives include:
- Route du Champagne: Winding through vineyards and charming villages
- Forêt d’Orient loop: A tranquil drive around the regional nature park
For walkers, try the Sentier des Cadoles, a trail dotted with traditional stone shelters used by vineyard workers.
Itineraries
Maximize your Aube experience with these curated itineraries:
3-Day Wine Enthusiast Tour
- Day 1: Visit Drappier in Urville, explore Troyes’ historic center
- Day 2: Tour small producers in Côte des Bar, lunch in Les Riceys
- Day 3: Explore Montgueux vineyards, end with tasting at Chassenay d’Arce
Weekend Getaway
- Saturday: Champagne tasting in Côte des Bar, dinner in Troyes
- Sunday: Visit Clairvaux Abbey, picnic in the Forêt d’Orient
Getting There & Around
The Aube region is easily accessible by car or train from Paris. Key transportation options include:
- By Train: Take the TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est to Troyes (1.5 hours)
- By Car: Drive from Paris via A5 motorway (2.5 hours)
Renting a car is recommended for exploring the vineyards and rural areas. Local bus services connect major towns, but schedules can be limited.
Best Time to Visit
The Aube region offers year-round appeal, with each season bringing unique experiences:
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, budding vines, fewer crowds
- Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, vineyard tours, outdoor festivals
- Fall (September-October): Harvest season, beautiful foliage, wine-related events
- Winter (November-March): Cozy tastings, Christmas markets, potential for snow-covered landscapes
Sustainability Efforts
Aube’s wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices:
- Organic Viticulture: Many producers are transitioning to organic methods
- Water Conservation: Implementation of drip irrigation systems
- Biodiversity: Planting cover crops and maintaining hedgerows
Look for the HVE (High Environmental Value) certification on wine labels for environmentally-friendly options.
Language Tips
While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some French can enhance your experience:
- Je voudrais déguster du champagne – I would like to taste some champagne
- Quelle est votre cuvée préférée? – What is your favorite cuvée?
- Santé! – Cheers!
Further Resources
For more information on Aube Champagne, consult these resources:
- Official Aube Tourism Website
- Comité Champagne – For in-depth Champagne knowledge
- Champagne Apps: Download “My Champagne” for region-specific information
Consider purchasing a Champagne Tourist Pass for discounts on tastings and attractions.