The 11 essential things to do in the Dawn

Are you looking to explore the surroundings of Paris? We don’t often think about visiting the Aube, a region rich in heritage and activities! Does that tell you?

Less than two hours of road Paris , why not think about visiting the Dawn? With one of the main regional natural parks in France, the department of Aube remains very attached to its traditions and heritage. In this historic territory of champagne production, you can explore many tourist routes to this theme.

Wooden houses, hiking trails and gastronomic heritage around champagne and local products are all a lot of reasons to discover the Aube.

From Troyes to small, oboe villages to its green spaces, you will not be bored in the Dawn! Ecological tourism lovers, gourmets, families, backpack travelers: pack your bags! It is time to discover the 11 essential things to do in the Dawn.

1. Troyes

The streets of Troyes

City of Art and History, you will love to stroll through the little streets of Troyes! This city is one of the must-sees on your program of visits to the Dawn. Its historic centre bears the evocative district name of the Bouchon de Champagne, of which it has the form. It is divided into what was at the time a Jewish quarter and a golden quarter. Take a walk between its facades and its small cafes: a true village atmosphere reigns!

Not to be missed: the Jewish Garden of the Ursins as well as the Maison de l’Orfèvre and its round turret.

Take advantage of your visit to the city centre to also visit the Hotel de Vauluiser which houses two museums, the Place de la Libération and the famous Halles de Troyes where you will find many local specialties.

Royal Museums

The city centre has some exciting museums. Among them, the famous Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière offers curious visitors a collection of tools and presents them with many craft techniques. A museum to be made in the Dawn for all lovers of DIY!

The Cité du Vitrail is another interesting museum where you can not only admire the colors of the stained glass but also discover their techniques of realization.

See also: the Museum of Modern Art which offers a complete panorama of this art.

The factory shops of Troyes

Outside its historic attraction, Troyes is famous for its many factory shops where you can go shopping while preserving your wallet! But before giving you the right addresses, let us look at a little history. In the 18th century, Troyes was the European capital of knitting.

At that time, the fairs of Champagne experienced unprecedented economic influence, allowing the textile industry to develop until the 20th century. It is in this context that, in the 1960s, the concept of factory stores was born in Troyes.

Initially reserved for the staff of these factories, they will open to the general public in the 1970s. Today, three major brands are located in Troyes: Mac Arthur Glen, Marques City, and Marques Avenue. The last one is located in Saint-Julien-les-Villas. Three of them, they host more than 100 stores at reduced prices. Good things to you!

2. Regional Natural Park of the Eastern Forest

On more than 80,000 hectares, the Regional Natural Park of the Eastern Forest is the green lung of the Dawn and comprises 58 municipalities. A palette of landscapes to give you vertigo! It is a must-see in the Dawn for any visitor enjoying the calm of green spaces and places to relax.

In the territory of the natural park there are three of the great lakes of Champagne: Lake Orient, Lake Temple and Lake Amance, where it is possible to practice many water sports. Go to meet the amazing flora and fauna of Champagne on foot or by bike on the Vélovoie des Lacs, a 42-kilometre course.

In Brienne-la-Vieille, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Ecomusée de la Forêt d’Orient. Performing an amazing collection of agricultural materials and beautiful reconstructions, he will show you the rural life we once knew.

3. Nigloland

In the city of Dolancourt, 45 minutes from Troyes, you will fall on a well-known amusement park in the area: I named Nigloland! Behind this farfelu name is the story of two brothers and former forans, Patrice and Philippe Gélis. They opened this park in 1987. Today, located in the heart of the protected area of the Eastern Forest, it is divided into four thematic areas.

This park is rather generalistic: you will find attractions with strong sensations, but also family activities as well as rides for toddlers. A stop to be done in the Dawn, especially if you travel with children.

4. Family house of painter Renoir

In the extreme southeast of the department, the charming little village of Essoyes hides a well-kept secret. Indeed, it houses the family home of the famous painter Renoir, born in 1841 and figure of the French impressionist current. He is the one who paints the canvas of Bal du Moulin de la Galette or ccelle of the Canoeer lunch .

The house was completely restored in the 1900 style to open it to the public. The permanent exhibition that takes place will allow you to discover the life of the painter and his family. A temporary exhibition on the theme of art and an audiovisual show complements the painting.

A nice little visit to the Dawn!

5. Tourist Route of Champagne

On the Côte des Bar south of Troyes, otherwise enjoy the sparkling bubbles of champagne! From Bar-sur-Aube to Essoyes to the Riceys, discover the noble grape varieties typical of the Aube like the black pinot, the miller pinot and the chardonnay.

The Champagne Tourist Route winemakers will welcome you in their fields to explain their champagne manufacturing process. Of course, this tourist route to do in the Dawn is a pretext for tasting fine bubbles!

6. Introducing to artisanal techniques at the mill of Dosches

It was seen above, visiting the Dawn is a fun way to learn more about French crafts! The Moulin de Dosches is no exception. Built in 2007 by a small group of enthusiasts, it has the vocation to recreate and enhance traditional know-how disappearing. The site, managed by an association, includes a mill, a barn, a supply and a garden.

Overlooking a small village in Champagne, it is an opportunity to look at the path of a grain of wheat from the mill to cook bread.

Bonus: You can also enjoy it to discover permaculture by visiting its ecological vegetable garden.

7. Museum Camille Claudel

A Nogent-sur-Seine is a museum dedicated to the life of the sculptor Camille Claudel. It was in this city that his vocation appeared to him. The young girl is passionate about modeling in this region hosting many potters.

This small museum highlights the work of four sculptors: Marius Ramus , Paul Dubois , Camille Claudel and Alfred Boucher , who was the mentor of the latter. Through his work, discover the sensitivity of an artist influenced by a moving life.

8. Jardin botanique de la Brisatte

In Mesnil-Saint-Loup, this beautiful garden to visit in the Aube offers a magical moment to all visitors. Small and large will be able to find out about 440 plant species whose flowering is superb in spring and summer.

Enjoy this mesnilian walk to also visit the parish church, the chapel and the monastery of the city!

9. The Chaource

In the commune of Chaource, where was born the famous cheese of the same name, make honor to a small gourmet getaway. First, the Cheese Museum will open its doors to teach you all the art of wheat production. Barattes, screeds and other breast pumps: she won’t have any secrets for you!

Then make a stop by Mussy Cheese, where, guided by the establishment’s officials, you will learn everything about the manufacture of the famous Chaource. They will also let you know other creamy specialties such as Mussy Delight. You will have the opportunity to leave the pockets full by making you happy in their craft shop. An original place to visit in the Dawn!

10. To see and to do also in the Dawn

Festival des nuits de champagne

Every year, in October, Troyes hosts nearly 2,000 festival-goers and changes his face for five days. Founded in 1988 at the initiative of the city of Troyes, this festival puts the song to text and the work of author-component under the spotlight. This lapse of time transforms the whole city into a place of artistic encounter.

The wooden-paned churches

In the northeast of the department, you can admire a typical architectural curiosity of the country. In the communes of Lentilles, Bailly le Franc or Longsols, these constructions made of wood and torchis will amaze your pupils. To see urgently in the Dawn!

How to go to the Dawn?

Less than 200 kilometers from Paris, the Aube is a department easily accessible by various means of transport.

By plane

To fly to the Aube, the simplest solution is to land at Paris-Vatry Airport, 65 kilometres from Troyes. You can also choose to book a flight to another Paris airport. After all, the capital is only less than two hours’ drive from the upper part of the Aube! To find the most interesting route, use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner .

By train

If you prefer the railroad, know that visiting the Aube can be done easily by going to the department by train. Indeed, Troyes is regularly connected to Paris, Dijon as well as other cities in the Great East region. Car!

Take the car

The highway A5 allows you to reach the Dawn, no matter where you come! The presence of several national roads also facilitates mobility in the department. For example, you can circulate on the N4 . If the car is not the most comfortable mode of transport, its use is almost obligatory if we are to get out of Troyes.

Where to stay in the Dawn?

Unknown but yet full of surprises and rich in its historical heritage, the Aube has many tourist accommodations. To find easily the one that looks like you, why not use a Compare hotels ?

If you prefer to rent a dwelling with an individual, see the offer Airbnb in this matter. At the four corners of the Aube, more disappointing accommodation awaits you!