Here in Aube en Champagne, history is everywhere. Our region is full of hidden heritage gems, where beautiful architecture meets picture-postcard charm. Did you know that seven of our towns and villages belong to the French Petites Cités de Caractère® network, recognising small towns with exceptional character and heritage?
Founded in 1975, the Petites Cités de Caractère® initiative now brings together 31 towns across the Grand Est region. Its mission is to protect, restore and celebrate remarkable local heritage, for residents and visitors alike. In Aube, seven towns and villages have earned this prestigious designation.
Enough suspense! Come and discover Aube’s seven Petites Cités de Caractère®.
Ervy-le-Châtel: a Petite Cité de Caractère® steeped in history
The charming village of Ervy-le-Châtel stands on a plateau overlooking the lush Armance valley. Its rich history is still visible at every turn. Discover its remarkable 19th-century circular timber-framed market hall, the medieval Saint-Nicolas Gate, the only surviving part of the fortified castle, and the Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens, with its magnificent stained-glass windows and sculptures.
Now recognised as a Petite Cité de Caractère®, Ervy-le-Châtel also has plenty of attractions for today’s visitors. Step inside the Maison du Vitrail d’Armance to discover the art of stained glass. And don’t leave without sampling some local specialities: Chaource and Ervy cheeses, or the delicious ciders of the Pays d’Othe!
Mussy-sur-Seine: a Petite Cité de Caractère® with many faces
The word ‘picturesque’ could have been invented for Mussy-sur-Seine. On the border between Champagne and Burgundy, with the Seine flowing through it, this fascinating village has reinvented itself through the centuries. Once a Gallo-Roman settlement and later a medieval town, it is now a delightful place to explore, surrounded by greenery and proud of its past.
Wander through its narrow cobbled streets to the impressive 13th-century Collegiate Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens. Around the town, you can still see the remains of its 12th-century ramparts. Other remarkable historic sites include the Bishops’ Ice House, an extraordinary stone structure seven metres in diameter, and the old salt storehouse, both beautifully preserved and open to visitors.
As a Petite Cité de Caractère®, Mussy-sur-Seine celebrates its heritage and local traditions, not least through opportunities to taste the famous Champagnes of the Côte des Bar!
Les Riceys: a village like no other
Made up of three historic settlements, Les Riceys boasts three Renaissance churches, once associated with three different dioceses in Champagne and Burgundy. The villages lie peacefully in the heart of the Laigne wine-growing valley. The river makes for lovely walks and is also popular with fly-fishing enthusiasts, particularly for its trout.
Lose yourself in narrow lanes lined with traditional winegrowers’ houses inspired by Cistercian architecture. Les Riceys is the only commune in the world to boast three wine appellations: Champagne, Rosé des Riceys and Coteaux Champenois. This unique distinction, together with the village’s exceptional heritage and its remarkable concentration of listed monuments, has earned it recognition as a Site Remarquable du Goût, a French designation celebrating outstanding food and wine destinations.
Why wait? Spend a weekend exploring Les Riceys and its surroundings. From the beautiful stained-glass windows of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens Church to meeting local winegrowers and tasting Champagne or Rosé des Riceys, reputedly a favourite of Louis XIV, you’re in for a treat.
Bar-sur-Seine: another gem of the Côte des Bar
Set on the banks of the Seine, the picturesque town of Bar-sur-Seine is renowned for its beautifully preserved historic buildings. Look out for the Renaissance House, the Church of Saint-Étienne, the Clock Tower with its breathtaking views, and the Avalleur Templar Commandery and its historic chapel. Along the Croc-Ferrand walking trail, you’ll also discover traditional stone vineyard huts known as cadoles.
At the gateway to the vineyards of the spectacular Côte des Bar, Bar-sur-Seine is also a great place to discover renowned Champagne producers, including Manoir Devaux and Domaine de la Borderie. A chance to taste the sparkling wines that make this region so special!
With its colourful half-timbered houses, Bar-sur-Seine is a delightful blend of beauty, charm and originality.
Follow in Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s footsteps in Essoyes
Surrounded by forests, vineyards and fields, the charming village of Essoyes is nestled in the Aube countryside. With the River Ource running through it, the village is best known for its connection to the celebrated Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir. His former home and studio, both open to visitors, are among the village’s highlights.
There’s plenty more to explore in Renoir’s footsteps, from art workshops and walking trails to outdoor treasure hunts. As a designated Petite Cité de Caractère®, Essoyes also offers visits to Champagne cellars and wine houses. After all, you’re still in Champagne!
Bar-sur-Aube: a wine-growing town rich in heritage
Surrounded by vineyards, hills and a river, Bar-sur-Aube is a characterful town in the heart of the Côte des Bar.
From the 12th century onwards, the town flourished thanks to the nearby Abbey of Clairvaux and the bustling Champagne Fairs. Its prosperous past has left a remarkable legacy. Saint-Pierre Church, with its unusual wooden gallery known as the halloy, recalls the days when merchants and pilgrims filled the streets. Another local treasure, Saint-Maclou Church, is a striking landmark in the town centre, admired for its elegant architecture and soaring silhouette.
Today, Bar-sur-Aube is best explored on foot, along historic lanes, past half-timbered houses and beside the gently flowing river. Follow the Circuit de la Paume for a fun and fascinating introduction to the town.
Nogent-sur-Seine: riverside charm and artistic heritage
In western Aube, Nogent-sur-Seine has joined the Petites Cités de Caractère® network thanks to its rich heritage and distinctive atmosphere, where elegant architecture meets the banks of the Seine.
On the edge of the Île-de-France region, Nogent-sur-Seine offers a wonderful combination of nature, history and art. Stroll along the river quays, past former industrial mills, then explore the historic centre, where handsome townhouses reflect its prosperous past.
Nogent-sur-Seine has long been a place of inspiration and training for sculptors. It was here that the young Camille Claudel discovered sculpture and developed her passion for the art alongside Alfred Boucher. Today, the Musée Camille Claudel celebrates this artistic heritage in a contemporary museum showcasing her early influences and remarkable talent.
The town also has impressive religious heritage, notably Saint-Laurent Church, whose Gothic architecture is complemented by striking contemporary stained-glass windows created by artist Fabienne Verdier.
