Aube is located in the Champagne-Ardennes and is named after the river that runs through it. Vineyards are interspersed with rolling landscapes and three large lakes, in the Parc Naturel Régional de la Forêt d'Orient, offer many water activities in the summer. The park is a paradise of fresh air, in the heart of the Aube. In the forests and lakes you can do many outdoor activities and wildlife watching.
The best known of the three lakes is probably the Lac d'Orient. With its size of 2500 hectares (over 6000 acres) its ideal for sailors and swimmers since motor boats and jet skis are not allowed on this lake. Would you like to take a ride on the jet ski or rent a boat? Then the Lac Amance is the right place to be. This lake is the largest European lake completely available for boating! The Lac du Temple is perfect for anglers (carp fishing) and for people who want to enjoy nature.
The capital city of the Aube department is Troyes, a city full of surprises. The city centre is built in the shape of a champagne corkand has a beautiful old centre with half-timbered houses and Renaissance mansions. A walk through the narrow streets lead you to churches like Saint-Pantaléon and Saint-Rémy and to the Basilica Saint-Urbain. If you love shopping, do not miss the three outlet stores on the outskirts of town. Do not forget to taste the local food specialties: sausage from Troyes, Chaource AOC cheese, sauerkraut, Aube lamb and the Chaource mushroom fondue.
In the department of Aube, it is impossible to escape from Champagne. A quarter of all the champagnes are produced here and you will find unique champagne houses, where you can not only taste, but also you can pick grapes and follow the production process. In the La Côte des Bars, the character of the Champagne region changes into that of the Burgundy, an ideal mix to go exploring.