Dawn

Aube: Fasthôtel welcomes you to Champagne

Fasthôtel welcomes you to the Aube, a department in the Grand Est region, in the heart of historic Champagne and its wine country. Whether for business trips, cultural weekends, or nature holidays, enjoy the quality of our affordable hotels in this region with its exceptional heritage!

Our hotels in the Aube : ideally located to discover Troyes, the medieval capital, the Champagne vineyards and the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park.

Aube: Champagne region at the gates of Paris

The Aube department covers 6,004 km² and has 310,000 inhabitants. It is the prefecture of the department. Troyes (65,000 inhabitants) is the former capital of the County of Champagne, renowned for its medieval historic center and exceptional stained glass heritage.

Located in 150 km from Paris (1 hour 30 minutes by car or train), the department benefits from a strategic position at the crossroads of major European routes, between Paris, Dijon, Reims and Nancy.

The Aube takes its name from the river that crosses it from east to west before joining the Seine. The department is characterized by the diversity of its landscapes: the vineyard slopes of the Côte des Bar, the valleys of the Seine and the Aube, the wooded plateaus of the Pays d'Othe and the Armance, and the vast expanses of the Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park.

Economy: textiles, Champagne and industry

The economy of the Aube region has historically been based on the textile and hosiery industryTroyes was a major center of textile production from the Middle Ages onwards, a tradition that continues with the establishment of major French brands: Lacoste (founded in 1933), Little boat, Absorb, Devanlay (historical manufacturer of Lacoste polo shirts).

This textile tradition gave rise to the phenomenon of factory outletsmaking Troyes the European capital of factory outlet stores with nearly 200 brand stores offering permanent discounts.

Champagne viticulture constitutes the second economic pillar of the department. With 7 hectares of vinesDawn represents 22% of the Champagne appellation areaThe Côte des Bar, a southern vineyard in Champagne, produces characterful champagnes renowned for their typicity.

The Aube region also hosts agri-food industries (cured meats, cheese), metallurgy, wood processing and service activities related to tourism and commerce.

Troyes: the historic capital of Champagne

Troyes, prefecture of Aube, is a City of Art and History with remarkable architectural heritage. Its historic center, shaped like a "champagne cork" (when viewed from the sky), preserves nearly 3,000 half-timbered houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, one of the most beautiful medieval ensembles in France.

The city owes its prosperity to the famous Champagne Fairs which, from the 11th to the 14th century, attracted merchants and bankers from all over Europe. Troyes was then a major commercial crossroads between the Mediterranean and Flanders, promoting the exchange of goods but also of ideas, arts and techniques.

Troyes' religious heritage includes ten churches listed as Historical Monuments, whose Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece with 1,500 m² of stained glass windows, theSt. Madeleine Church and its Renaissance stone lacework rood screen, and theSaint-Urbain church built in the 13th century by Pope Urban IV, a native of Troyes.

The museums of Troyes enrich the cultural offering: the Modern Art Museum (Pierre and Denise Lévy collection), the House of Tools and Workers' Thought (MOPO) with its 11,000 antique tools, the Saint-Loup Museum (archaeology, fine arts, natural history) and the Camille Claudel Museum in Nogent-sur-Seine dedicated to the famous sculptress.

Aube, European Capital of Stained Glass

Dawn preserves 9,000 m² of stained glass windows predating the French Revolutioni.e half of the stained glass windows in Franceearning him the title of "European Capital of Stained Glass".

From the 13th to the 19th century, the workshops of master glassmakers in Troyes, such as Linard Gonthier, were renowned throughout Europe. Their works adorn the churches of the department, creating exceptional stained-glass ensembles that illustrate the evolution of this art over six centuries.

La City of Stained GlassLocated in the former Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte in Troyes, it is a unique interpretation center spanning 3,000 m² showcasing the history, techniques, and masterpieces of Champagne glass art. Stained glass windows are displayed at eye level, allowing visitors to appreciate the finesse of the craftsmanship and the intensity of the colors.

La Stained Glass Route It marks the department and invites you to discover this luminous heritage in nearly 200 churches, from modest village chapels to grand cathedrals.

The Champagne vineyards of the Aube: the Côte des Bar

The Aube region is home to the vineyards of the Cote des Bar, southern wine-growing region of Champagne extending over 220 km across hills and valleys. This Kimmeridgian clay-limestone terroir (the same soil as in Chablis) gives the Aube champagnes a distinctive personality, wines of character recognized for their aromatic power.

La Champagne Tourist Route crosses about thirty wine villages with Burgundy stone houses: Bar-sur-Aube, Bar-sur-Seine, Essoyes (Renoir's village), Les Riceys (the only commune in Champagne with three AOCs: Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and Rosé des Riceys), Mussy-sur-Seine.

Champagne winegrowers They open their vaulted cellars for visits and tastings. Trade houses and independent winemakers perpetuate centuries-old know-how while respecting Champagne traditions.

The vineyard landscape is punctuated by cadolesSmall, dry-stone structures dating from the 19th century served as shelters for winegrowers. These typical lodges constitute a unique architectural heritage, bearing witness to the winegrowing life of yesteryear. Walking trails allow visitors to discover them in the heart of the vineyards.

The Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park

East of Troyes, the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park covers 70,000 hectares, created in 1970 to protect an exceptional natural area combining forests and lakes.

Three large artificial lakes created in the 1960s-1990s as Seine River regulation basins:

Le Lake of the Orient (2,300 hectares): equipped beaches, supervised swimming in summer, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, pedal boats

Le Temple Lake (1,800 hectares): an internationally important bird sanctuary with over 200 species of migratory birds observable from specially designed observation points.

Le Lake Amance (500 hectares): motorized water sports (jet skiing, water skiing)

20,000 hectares of forests (oaks, beeches, hornbeams) offer a privileged playground for hiking (400 km of marked trails), mountain biking, horse riding, wildlife observation (deer, wild boars, roe deer, foxes).

La Lakes Cycle Route (42 km) connects Troyes to the natural park via a cycle path along the Seine and then the lakes, accessible to all levels.

L'Ecomuseum of the Eastern Forest Brienne-la-Vieille showcases the natural heritage and local traditions. Park House Piney offers educational activities and guided nature tours.

Historical heritage: castles, abbeys and Templars

The Aube region has nearly 300 castles, motte-and-bailey castles and manor houses. The Castles Route crosses the department and allows you to discover more than 30 remarkable buildings, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

Among the major sites:

Clairvaux Abbey, founded in 1115 by Saint BernardIt enjoyed considerable spiritual and intellectual influence throughout medieval Europe. The mother abbey of the Cistercian order had more than 350 daughter abbeys across the continent. Transformed into a prison by Napoleon after the Revolution, it can now be visited and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The large 18th-century cloister, the chapel, and the former monastic buildings bear witness to its past grandeur.

The Commandery of Avalleur The church in Ville-sous-la-Ferté is one of the few architectural examples from the Templar era preserved in France. The Aube region is intimately linked to the history of... Templars : Hugues de Payns, founder of the Order of the Temple in 1129, was a native of the village of Payns near Troyes. Council of Troyes (1129) in the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul officially recognized the religious and military order.

The Château de Brienne-le-Château housed the military school where the young Napoleon Bonaparte He studied there from 1779 to 1784. The city retains the Napoleonic imprint and a museum dedicated to the Emperor.

Gastronomy from the Aube region and specialties from the Champagne region

The gastronomy of the Aube region showcases local produce and artisanal specialties:

Troyes andouillette AAAAA (5A), a 100% pure pork charcuterie specialty made from chitterlings and stomachs cut into strips, seasoned and slow-cooked. Recognized by the Friendly Association of Lovers of Authentic Andouillette, it is best enjoyed grilled with a mustard-shallot-cream sauce.

The ChaourceA PDO soft cow's milk cheese with a bloomy rind, produced in the Pays d'Othe. Its creamy texture and delicate taste make it a must-have on Champagne cheese platters.

Champagne sauerkraut, a local specialty accompanied by regional charcuterie and washed down with champagne or riesling.

The pink biscuits of Reims products by the Fossier company (founded in 1756) and the croquignoles, small traditional dry biscuits to be dipped in champagne.

The Lamb of Dawnraised in the meadows of the department, renowned for the quality of its tender and tasty meat.

Illustrious personalities of the Dawn

The Aube region has been the birthplace or home to great historical figures:

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), an Impressionist painter, spent the last years of his life in Essoyes, the birthplace of his wife, Aline Charigot. TheRenoir Space It retraces the life of the master and presents reproductions of his works inspired by the Champagne countryside.

Camille Claudel (1864-1943), a sculptor of genius, spent part of her childhood in Villeneuve-sur-Fere then Nogent-sur-Seine. The Camille Claudel Museumopened in 2017, it pays tribute to him with a collection of national importance.

Rashi (1040-1105), a great commentator on the Bible and the Talmud, lived and taught in Troyes. Rashi House houses a synagogue and exhibition spaces dedicated to Jewish culture.

Chrétien de Troyes (12th century), poet and writer considered the father of the courtly and Arthurian romance, author of "Perceval or the Story of the Grail" and "Lancelot or the Knight of the Cart".

Urban IV (1195-1264), pope from 1261 to 1264, native of Troyes, had the church of Saint-Urbain built, a Gothic masterpiece.

Gaston bachelard (1884-1962), philosopher and epistemologist, was born in Bar-sur-Aube.

Pays d'Othe and Pays d'Armance

Le Pays d'OtheIn the northwest of the department, this area is characterized by its wooded hills, verdant valleys, and preserved heritage. The half-timbered churches, typical of this region, house a exceptional 16th-century statuary : polychrome statues of saints, virgins with child and calvaries sculpted by the artists of the Troyes School.

Le Armance CountryTo the east, the region offers rolling landscapes dotted with peaceful villages, deep forests, and grazing pastures. The Armance River meanders through fields and woods, creating bucolic scenery ideal for hiking and fishing.

These rural areas embody the authenticity of Champagne with their traditional farms, their cheese production (Chaource), their orchards and their preserved way of life.

Notable sites of the Aube

Bar-sur-Aube A former fortified town on the Champagne Route, it preserves a 12th-century Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre, a medieval market hall, and half-timbered houses. It is the starting point for exploring the wines of the Côte des Bar.

Bar-sur-Seine : a medieval town dominated by its fortified castle, gateway to the southern Champagne vineyards. The Saint-Étienne church houses beautiful Renaissance stained glass windows.

Les Riceys The only commune in Champagne with three AOCs (Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and Rosé des Riceys), listed among the Most Beautiful Detours in France. Three Renaissance churches and preserved winegrowers' architecture.

bayel : crystal village home to the Crystal Museum Located on the site of the former royal crystal factory founded in 1666. Glassblowing demonstrations and exhibitions of exceptional pieces.

Chaource : village which gave its name to the famous PDO cheese. Visit artisanal cheese dairies and renowned weekly market.

Nigloland in Dolancourt: a family amusement park offering more than 40 attractions in a wooded setting of 55 hectares, one of the most frequented parks in the Grand Est region.

Outdoor activities and tourist routes

The Aube region offers numerous marked discovery trails:

Champagne Tourist Route (220 km): through the vineyards of the Côte des Bar
Stained Glass Route : circuit of churches with remarkable stained glass windows
Castles Route : discovery of the castle heritage
Lakes Cycle Route (42 km): Troyes - Forêt d'Orient cycle path
Route des Cadoles : walking trails through the vineyards
Hiking trails : more than 1,000 km of marked trails (GR 2, GR 24, GR 714)
Nautical sports On the lakes: sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing
Nature activities Mountain biking, horse riding, golf (Golf de la Forêt d'Orient), treetop adventure courses, birdwatching

Access and location of the Aube

Aube benefits from excellent accessibility from Paris and major metropolitan areas:

Paris : 150 km (1h30 by A5 or train)
Dijon : 150 km (1 hour 45 minutes via the A5)
Reims : 120 km (1 hour 15 minutes via the A26)
Nancy : 200 km (2 hour)
Luxembourg : 250 km (2h30)

Highways : A5 (Paris-Troyes-Dijon), A26 (Reims-Troyes), N19 (towards Alsace)

Troyes SNCF train station Direct TER trains to Paris-Est, Dijon, Mulhouse, Basel

Nearby airports Paris-Charles de Gaulle (130 km), Paris-Orly (150 km)

Fasthôtel in the Aube allows you to discover this multifaceted department, between the medieval heritage of Troyes, the Champagne vineyards, the preserved nature of the Forêt d'Orient and artisanal traditions, in the heart of historic Champagne.