Around Essoyes
Highlights
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The wine villages of the Côte des Bar
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The view over the vineyards of the Côte des Bar
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"Du Côté des Renoir" in Essoyes
If you're an art lover, this is the route for you! The Champagne Tourist Route takes you to the village of Essoyes, home of the Renoirs... right in the middle of the famous Champagne vineyards.
The adventure begins in Essoyes, a Petite Cité de Caractère®, which inspired the famous painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir. And that's just the beginning! Conquered by the beauty of this Petite Cité de Caractère de Champagne, he decided to spend thirty summers in the village where his wife was born. It has to be said that the timber-framed houses and the shimmering silver banks of the Ource River are a real draw for visitors. Don't miss the chance to discover the painter's life through the "Côté des Renoir" cultural site, including the painter's home and studio. And to extend the experience, take the signposted route through the heart of the village: it takes you on a stroll from canvas to canvas of masterpieces.
Then, fasten your seatbelts and head for the wine-growing villages ofAube. From Fontette to Noë-les-Mallets, via Ville-sur-Arce and Landreville, take an instructive and tasty tour of their cellars. In particular, you'll be able to watch the cellars at work, such as stirring the bottles by hand, a traditional technique used to clarify the wine in preparation for disgorging. The winemakers will also explain the importance of ageing on the lees, a crucial stage in developing the complex aromas that characterise champagnes from the Côte des Barterroir... Before a well-deserved tasting! Another must-see is the Roman bridge at Loches-sur-Ource. Listed as a historic monument, it's the perfect place to stop for a photo break.
Practical info
- Seasonal tourist information office (open from April to November)
9 place de la Mairie, 10360 Essoyes
Tel: 03 25 29 10 94 - Electric recharging points available at 34 rue de la Gare in Essoyes