The Aube Wine Travel Guide (Champagne, France)

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 Chardo

ay 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, di

er 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 co

ect 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.