48° 19′ N, 04° 11′ E
Overview
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Aube in Champagne
The Champagne region in France isn’t just about big cellars and luxury, as most people know from Reims or Epernay. In Aube, it’s more rustic, more personal. You’ll find small family-run producers, quiet villages with incredible charm, and wide open countryside.
The villages here are quiet and full of character, and the countryside stretches for miles with vineyards, forests, and orchards. One moment you’re sipping champagne in the sun, the next you’re walking a peaceful trail or cycling through sleepy towns. It’s the kind of weekend that blends wine, nature, and a bit of adventure.
It’s a weekend champagne escape that’s a little different, a little quieter, and a whole lot of fun. Aube might not be as famous as Reims, but that’s exactly what makes it special.
Tip: Because there’s limited public transportation in this region, we highly recommend exploring the region by car to have more flexibility. If you’re not traveling with your own car, you can rent one with Rentalcars.com.
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Local markets, Troyes & Champagne tastings
Local markets
Start your day like a local with a visit to one of the local markets in the area. We visited the market in Aix-en-Othe, in the Halle Aixoise. It’s one of those proper French markets, with stalls full of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, and homemade treats. You can grab a croissant or two from one of the nearby bakeries. They’re buttery, flaky, and the perfect way to begin your day.
Troyes
Next, you can drive to Troyes, the historic heart of Aube. The old town is absolutely lovely, with its colorful timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and plenty of cafés where you can sit and take it all in.
Definitely check out the Troyes Cathedral. It’s beautiful and full of history. Right next to it, there’s the Museum of Modern Art, which has a surprisingly good collection with works by artists like Degas and Braque.
Troyes is also known for its stained glass, so if that interests you, you can visit the Cité du Vitrail to learn more about the art and see some really impressive pieces. And if you feel like doing a bit of shopping, there are some outlet stores just outside the city that are worth a visit.
It’s not a big city, but there’s a lot to see and it has a relaxed, easy-going feel, perfect for spending the afternoon.
Champagne tasting
In the afternoon, make your way to Montgueux, a little hilltop village known for its champagne. The views are beautiful, and the champagne tastings feel much more personal than at the big-name houses.
We visited Jaillant & Co, a lovely family-run producer, and really enjoyed their champagnes. It’s a great spot to relax, learn about the winemaking process, and of course, drink some bubbles. Just make sure to contact the champagne house you want to visit in advance to check their opening times and whether tastings or tours are available. Depending on timing, you might want to switch your visit to Troyes with your tasting to make sure you don’t miss out.
Explore the Pays d'Othe
Villages in Pays d'Othe
Today is all about slowing down and enjoying the peaceful side of Aube. The Pays d’Othe region is full of small, charming villages, each with its own little surprise. Some have beautiful stained glass churches, others are perfect for a quiet walk or a relaxed coffee.
If you didn’t visit Aix-en-Othe yesterday, it’s a lovely place to start your day, with pretty streets and a local market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Bercenay-en-Othe combines countryside charm with a surprising space telecom site, and has a cozy bistro for a little lunch.
Villages like Bérulle and Eaux-Puiseaux are relaxed stops with lovely churches, and in Eaux-Puiseaux you can also taste fresh apple juice or cider. Ervy-le-Châtel has a creative feel with modern stained glass and a cozy café, while Chaource is a must if you love cheese and churches with more detailed artwork.
Hiking or cycling
If you’re in the mood for a bit of movement, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area. You can walk through forests, orchards, and open fields. It’s a great way to experience the landscape and enjoy some peaceful time outdoors.
We did the “From Place to Place” trail, which was a lovely way to explore the countryside. Another option is the Paisy-Cosdon trail, a family-friendly walk around lakes, with swimming areas and a small snack bar in the summer.
There are also many other hikes in the region, depending on how far you want to go and what kind of scenery you like.
If you prefer biking, there are cycling routes that take you through villages, along quiet country roads, and past vineyards. You can follow the Green Road around the Forêt d’Orient Lakes for a scenic ride, or cycle through the Montgueux vineyards and stop by Jaillant & Co if you didn’t make it there the day before.
There are also other cycling tours in the region, ranging from easy loops to longer countryside rides, depending on how much time and energy you have.
Where to stay
We stayed at Ostara Ecolodge and honestly, it was perfect. It’s tucked away in nature, super peaceful, and you really feel like you can disconnect. The rooms are cozy and beautifully done, with thoughtful little details everywhere.
One of the best parts? There’s a hot tub and a sauna in the garden, which is such a treat after a day of walking or wine tasting. In the morning, we had coffee outside with just the sound of birds around. It’s the perfect base if you want to explore the Aube region.
How to visit the Champagne region
Getting to Aube is pretty easy. If you’re coming from Paris, it’s about a two-hour drive, or you can take a train straight to Troyes, the main town in the area.
To explore the region, we really recommend renting a car. The villages and countryside are spread out, and public transport doesn’t reach many of the smaller, more interesting places. With a car, you can take your time, stop in little villages, visit champagne houses, and enjoy the quiet country roads. You can rent one directly in Troyes, and driving around the area is very relaxed.
Best time to visit Champagne
Spring and summer are great times for a Champagne weekend in Aube.
In spring, the weather is mild, the vineyards are green and beautiful, and everything feels calm and peaceful. It’s a great time for walking, cycling, or just sitting outside with a glass of champagne.
Summer is warmer and ideal for outdoor activities like hiking or swimming in the lakes, but it can be a bit busier, especially in more popular spots like Troyes. Still, it never feels too crowded in Aube, so it’s a nice time to enjoy long days and sunshine.
If you’re really into wine, September, when the harvest season usually takes place, is something special. There’s a real buzz in the air, the grapes are being picked, and local producers are busy with the first steps of winemaking. In some years, the harvest can start as early as late August or as late as early October, depending on the weather. Some champagne houses even offer special visits or tastings during this time, which adds something extra to the experience.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
