Aube en Champagne is packed with things to do, from hiking and cultural visits to tastings and watersports. Whatever your interests, there is no shortage of experiences to fill your days, especially when it comes to family activities!
Keeping parents and children happy at the same time isn’t always easy. So how can you find activities everyone will enjoy, combining fun, discovery and quality time together? We’ve put together a selection of family-friendly experiences to help you make some unforgettable memories.
1. Nigloland, a magical theme park for all ages
This is THE theme park you won’t want to miss on a family holiday! Nigloland offers 43 rides and shows for children and adults alike, with nearly 30 attractions suitable for children under one metre tall. Perfect for a fun-filled day or even a longer stay, Nigloland brings together shared experiences and entertainment for the whole family.
2. Watersports on the lakes of the Forêt d’Orient
The Aube is home to three large lakes. Their outstanding natural environment and wide range of visitor attractions make them real treasures. There are plenty of activities to enjoy around the lakes, offering wonderful opportunities for family time.
From swimming to watersports, discover fun and unusual family experiences. Young and old alike will find something to enjoy, all surrounded by beautiful green landscapes.
3. A family bike ride along the Great Lakes greenway
The Great Lakes greenway is fairly flat and safe, making it ideal for cycling with children. From Troyes, you can reach the lakes on a route of around 20 kilometres. Choose your own itinerary through villages such as Mesnil-Saint-Père, Lusigny-sur-Barse or Dienville. Everyone can ride at their own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop at beaches, picnic areas, ice-cream shops and watersports centres.
If you haven’t brought your bikes, local cycle hire is available. You can even rent a four-wheeled pedal-powered family bike from Ora Aventures for a particularly enjoyable outing!
4. Riddles, mysteries and treasure hunts in Troyes!
Strolling through streets and admiring architecture isn’t always enough to excite younger visitors. That’s perfectly understandable! So in Troyes, sightseeing becomes a game, thanks to family treasure hunts.
Join in the fun! Armed with an activity booklet, explore Troyes’ pretty cobbled streets, look for hidden clues, follow the trail together and solve the mystery. Several versions of the “A kid jouer” treasure hunt are available for different age groups. A lovely way to spend time together!
5. Espace Faune, a wildlife park in the heart of the Forêt d’Orient
Located on a peninsula on Lake Orient, Espace Faune is a wildlife park where woodland animals roam in semi-freedom, including wild boar, roe deer, bison and even aurochs. Watch these fascinating animals in a natural environment.
This is a wonderful family activity and a chance to enjoy a special encounter with wildlife in the heart of the Forêt d’Orient, while respecting the animals and their surroundings.
6. Spend a day at an educational farm
Goats, cows, rabbits, llamas, alpacas… Meet the animals that children love and enjoy a day in their company! Visit the Aube’s educational farms for a fantastic family experience. Alongside passionate local farmers and craftspeople, learn about the animals, watch them, feed them and give them a gentle stroke.
Some farms even offer hands-on workshops, such as butter-making or wool weaving, combining learning and fun for the whole family!
7. Treetop adventure courses for the whole family
For some unforgettable family fun, why not try a treetop adventure course? Yes, we’re talking about those exciting courses high among the trees, sometimes as much as 20 metres above the ground! Don’t worry: different difficulty levels make the experience suitable for both parents and children. It’s a great outdoor activity combining exercise and enjoyment.
Grimpobranches is located in the heart of the Forêt d’Orient, opposite the lake at Lusigny-sur-Barse. Another option is ACCROLAND, with giant zip lines and rope bridges in a beautiful protected natural setting just ten minutes from Troyes.
8. Château de Vaux: an unusual journey back in time
In the heart of the Aube, Château de Vaux is the story of a castle rising from the ashes. Its owner, Édouard, who acquired it in 2015, took on the challenge of saving the building from collapse through an ambitious restoration project.
Today, the château is gradually regaining its former splendour and welcoming visitors. Explore the basement rooms, outbuildings and newly restored spaces through escape games for all ages and evening murder mystery events.
You can even stop for a bite to eat at La Poule de Vaux or camp on the château grounds!
9. Explore the Aube’s heritage as a family
The Aube’s rich heritage, identity and history offer an incredible variety of surprising activities for families.
Did you know that the magnificent Château de La Motte-Tilly offers family-friendly activities such as exhibitions and storytelling? Or that you can take part in a giant Cluedo-style mystery game at Avalleur Templar Commandery? The Camille Claudel Museum in Nogent-sur-Seine and the Cité du Vitrail in Troyes also organise activities for families.
Your questions answered
What free family activities can you enjoy in the Aube?
Explore the medieval streets of Troyes, with their timber-framed houses, churches and picturesque lanes. Ask the tourist office about its geocaching trail. The Forêt d’Orient Regional Natural Park is perfect for family walks, with free hiking trails and picnic areas beside the lakes. Several lakeside beaches are also free to access, ideal for swimming and picnicking together.
Can you go cycling with children in the Aube?
Yes! There are several family-friendly cycle routes, particularly around the lakes of the Forêt d’Orient. See our page on the greenways around the Great Lakes, Seine and Aube.
What activities are suitable for children under one metre tall?
Nigloland has 27 attractions suitable for children under one metre tall. There are also six educational farms where children can meet and interact with animals. Take a look at our page dedicated to educational farms.
Where can we have a family picnic in the Aube?
The Aube’s countryside is ideal for picnics. Find a spot beside a river, lake or in the countryside, and enjoy some delicious local produce from your cool bag. Discover our ideas for a family picnic in the Aube.
Where can children swim safely in the Aube?
The four designated beaches around the lakes of the Forêt d’Orient are at Mesnil-Saint-Père, Lusigny, Géraudot and Dienville. They have facilities and supervised swimming areas during the summer season, making them suitable for families. You can also enjoy a wide range of watersports. The lake at Paisy-Cosdon is another family-friendly option.