A weekend with friends to discover Aube

DAY 1 - 10.00 am

An arty visit to Essoyes

We kick off our weekend with an immersive visit to Essoyes, in the footsteps of Auguste Renoir. This small Champagne village immediately immerses us in the world of one of France's greatest Impressionist painters. The village, where Renoir spent many years with his family, is a living canvas where the light, landscapes and places are imbued with his artistic heritage. Some of the facades of the village's houses even feature works by the artist, which are a sight to behold. The next stop is the Maison de Renoir, where the artist and his family regularly stayed before he died. Carefully restored, it offers an intimate insight into the daily life of this artistic genius. Not far away, you'll find the outbuilding of the house, formerly his painting studio, where the artist expressed all his creativity in the greatest freedom. To prolong the immersion, visit the Galerie Centre-Culturel Renoir, where exhibitions retrace the life and works of the painter.

12h30

Gourmet break at l'Union

We're off to Place Général de Gaulle for a bite to eat at l'Union: a traditional bistro offering a generous, comforting menu with a modern twist. Antoine, the head waiter and sommelier, welcomes us into a warm room with touches of burgundy red, while Théophile is in the kitchen. While the chef is keen to work with local produce, he prepares the charcuterie himself, including the fabulous pâté en croûte. To accompany it, you can choose from a wine list that covers the whole of France. Bubbles are king, with champagne from Les Riceys, complemented by wines from Saumur, Beaujolais, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Muscadet, Alsace and Bugey.

15h00

Visit to the Richardot Champagne House

In the heart of the Côte des Bar, above the Ource Valley, 12 hectares of vines are revealed, cultivated by a family trio: Jean-Paul, Isabelle and Cécile. Together, they run the Richardot estate and cultivate champagne with a passion passed down from their grandfather Jean Richardot, the founder of the estate. The visit begins with a tour of the winery, providing an opportunity to learn more about the grape varieties grown, principally Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which flourish in the clay soils. Next we head to the cellars, carefully decorated with the tools of our winegrowing ancestors and housing all the different winemaking methods. Finally, we move on to the workshop, where we can taste several cuvées. From the very first sip, the aromas of the grapes combined with the sparkle of the bubbles explode on the palate. The flagship cuvées include brut, rosé and vintage, with each bottle reflecting the family's expertise.

18h00

An evening stroll in Troyes

At the end of the day, take a stroll through the streets of Troyes, "the city of a thousand colours", where the medieval past is combined with a romantic and poetic atmosphere. When the sun goes down, the city reveals another facet, sublimated by illuminations that highlight its remarkable architecture and historic heritage. The town centre, with its unique champagne cork shape, is a must-see: stroll along the main streets like rue Émile Zola, past the typical timber-framed houses. In the heart of the historic centre, don't miss the Place de la Libération, the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville and the Place Saint-Jean, with their terraces of cafés and restaurants that often come alive in the evening. Among them, we'll be stopping off at Aux Crieurs de Vin, a typical bistro that takes its name from an old custom, when wine criers shouted out the price and quality of bottles at public sales. Here we meet Nicolas, Jean-Michel and their team, who present us with a menu typical of a traditional bistro, featuring seasonal dishes. A real treat!

20h00

A peaceful night at l'Aquarelle d'Ervy-le-Châtel

Discover the pretty 18th and 19th century building of l'Aquarelle en Champagne, a guest house full of character nestled in the middle of nature that stretches as far as the eye can see. The house offers four tastefully decorated bedrooms, each in a unique style, but always with a touch of elegance and modernity. From your room, you can take in the panoramic view of the rolling green countryside surrounding the Val d'Armance. As the sun rises, you rush to the breakfast table to feast on local produce. Homemade jams, warm pastries from the bakery next door, not forgetting Chaource cheese, the jewel in the crown of local gastronomy. Serve with hot drinks and the famous Pays d'Othe apple juice.

DAY 2 - 10.00 am

A stroll through a Petite Cité de Caractère

Ervy-le-Châtel, a former circular stronghold, boasts a picturesque charm and a rich heritage that have earned it the label of Petite Cité de Caractère. Stroll along its cobbled streets and admire the timber-framed houses typical of the region. But the jewel in Ervy-le-Châtel's crown is undoubtedly the church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens, a majestic stone sentinel: its remarkable sculpted portal and 16thᵉ century stained glass windows bathe the interior in a mystical light.

11h00

Discover cider in the Pays d'Othe

TheAube department has many nuggets to discover, including the rolling, wooded Pays d'Othe. Nicknamed "Little Normandy", the region is famous for its apple orchards and the production of traditional cider with a naturally delicious taste. With its rolling hills, forests and meadows, the area is a haven for contemplation and discovery. We're about to visit La Ferme d'Hotte, a family farm certified in organic farming, a must for discovering and understanding the stages in the production of cider, as well as fruit juice, eau de vie, oil and even vinegar. We then head to the small museum devoted to the history of cider before enjoying a tasting of the farm's products. And if we feel like it, we can take advantage of the fresh country air to visit the orchards, among the apple and pear trees.

13h00

Lunch with a view of Lake Forêt d'Orient

Meet at the Belvédère restaurant in Mesnil-Saint-Pierre. Located on the edge of the Forêt d'Orient lake, the view of the landscape is exceptional. The interior of the restaurant is decorated in a contemporary style, while the outside terrace overlooks the harbour. On our plates, you'll find traditional gourmet cuisine with a focus on seafood. As for the desserts, it's impossible not to fall for the giant vanilla madeleine. Once the meal is over, we head for the Forêt d'Orient for a short digestive stroll along the footpaths, discovering sandy beaches, lush green meadows and dense forests, depending on the route chosen.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, so drink in moderation.