A hub of the arts, the Aube department boasts a remarkable heritage: churches and half-timbered houses, abbeys, castles, stained-glass windows, and artists’ and craftspeople’s studios that continue to inspire wonder. Make the most of this cultural highlight at the start of the new season with the European Heritage Days on 19 and 20 September 2026 to discover the rich heritage of Troyes and the Aube region.
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Whether secular or religious, public or private, the owners of more than 250 sites are opening their doors, and numerous enthusiasts’ groups are organising events to mark the occasion in the Aube! Discover sites open to the public for this special occasion: castles, churches, museums…
Our must-sees
La Cité du vitrail
Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte, 31 Quai des Comtes de Champagne – 10000 Troyes
To mark European Heritage Days, the Cité du Vitrail is organising tours, activities and demonstrations focusing on stained-glass windows and Troyes’ heritage at the Hôtel-Dieu-le-Comte on 19 and 20 September.
The museums of Troyes
10000 Troyes
The museums in Troyes are offering free tours, exhibitions and events centred on the theme ‘Heritage at Risk’.
At the Museum of Modern Art, discover dramatised tours, a fashion show inspired by the collections, and an exhibition dedicated to industrial heritage. The Hôtel de Vauluisant, the Apothicairerie and the Church of Saint-Jean-au-Marché also offer guided tours and exhibitions, notably on the Renaissance, hosiery and photography. At Saint-Loup Abbey, explore endangered species and go behind the scenes of collection conservation on 19 and 20 September 2026.
Stone Carving Workshop at the University Institute of Heritage Crafts
10000 TROYES
Come and discover stone masonry and heritage restoration. In collaboration with the Campus des métiers des qualifications d’excellence and Léon Noël.
Lecture on the barn owl and the little owl
10220 Piney
To mark European Heritage Days, the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park invites you to a talk at the Maison du Parc, focusing on the barn owl and the little owl. Friday 18 September at 8.00 pm.
Contact : contact@pnr-foret-orient.fr / 03.25.43.38.88
Clairvaux Abbey
Clairvaux
As it does every year, the Clairvaux Abbey Renaissance Association will be taking part in the European Heritage Days and will be offering guided tours of the abbey, the isolation wing and the disciplinary wing, and Building A of the modern prison at a reduced rate.
Booking is strongly recommended and compulsory for Building A!
Château de La Motte-Tilly
La Motte-Tilly
La Motte Tilly Castle, an 18th-century gem overlooking the Seine, is opening its doors for themed tours and free creative workshops, in collaboration with performing artists.
Château de Dampierre
Dampierre
To mark European Heritage Days, Dampierre Castle is opening its doors on Saturday 19 September. Come and see the castle’s main gate, a masterpiece of ironwork dating from 1829, which has been restored following several years of work. This meticulous restoration has brought back the original splendour and intricate details of this iconic feature of the estate. On the programme: a tour of the grounds, the unveiling of the restored gate and a concert, offering a unique opportunity to discover Dampierre’s heritage.
Château de Villemereuil
Villemereuil
Discover Villemereuil Castle, a remarkable 17th-century building listed as a Historic Monument. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds and admire its Louis XIII architecture, its pavilions and its ancient moats. The owners also offer a guided tour, interspersed with anecdotes and memories about the estate’s family and architectural history.
At Musée Camille Claudel
Nogent-sur-Seine
Come and see the ‘Camille Claudel & Bernhard Hoetger’ exhibition for free, which brings together two leading figures in sculpture, 120 years after their first joint exhibition.
La Commanderie d’Avalleur: nine centuries of history
Bar-sur-Seine
Feel free to explore the Templar Commandery of Avalleur and its exhibition ‘Le Roman de Renart’, which blends medieval art with street art. You can also enjoy short tours on the art of the table in the Middle Ages and the archaeology of buildings, as well as a stained-glass workshop for children. Finally, the Micro-Folie will give you the chance to discover the trades and skills involved in preserving our heritage.
Contact et réservations : 06 47 66 11 23 ou sur www.avalleur.aube.fr
