Discovering Aube (Department 10)
Updated: Aug 21
Introduction
Located in the eastern part of France within the Grand Est region, Aube (department 10) is a largely rural department best known for its world-famous Champagne vineyards, medieval towns, beautiful lakes and peaceful countryside. Sitting between Paris and Burgundy, Aube offers a slower pace of life while remaining surprisingly accessible.
Living in Aube appeals to retirees, families seeking space, remote workers looking for affordable property, entrepreneurs involved in tourism, food, wine or rural businesses, and anyone wanting an authentic French lifestyle away from the crowds. While it lacks the international profile of nearby Champagne destinations such as Reims, this quieter character is exactly what many residents appreciate.
At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Grand Est |
Historic name | Champagne |
Department number | 10 |
Department capital | Troyes |
Largest towns | Troyes, Romilly-sur-Seine, La Chapelle-Saint-Luc, Saint-André-les-Vergers, Nogent-sur-Seine, Bar-sur-Aube |
Population | Approximately 315,000 |
Area | 6,004 km² |
Climate | Temperate continental with warm summers and cool winters |
Best suited for | Retirees, wine lovers, families, entrepreneurs, remote workers and second-home owners |
Is a car recommended? | Yes, particularly outside Troyes |
English-speaking community | Small but growing, especially around Troyes and Champagne areas |
Lifestyle summary | Relaxed rural living with excellent food, vineyards, historic towns and good access to Paris |
Why Choose Aube?
Lifestyle
Aube offers a genuine slice of French life. Rather than being dominated by tourism, it is a working department built around agriculture, wine production, manufacturing and local commerce. Daily life revolves around markets, cafés, vineyards and local events.
Residents enjoy a slower pace than in larger cities while still benefiting from good amenities.
Community
The department has welcoming local communities where neighbours often know one another. Although the English-speaking population is relatively modest, newcomers who make an effort with French generally integrate well.
There are local clubs, sports associations, music groups and cultural societies throughout the department.
Scenery
The landscapes are wonderfully varied.
Highlights include:
Rolling Champagne vineyards
Large forests
Agricultural plains
Beautiful lakes
Rivers including the Seine and Aube
Timber-framed villages
Historic medieval architecture
The Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park is one of the department's greatest natural assets.
Accessibility
One of Aube's biggest advantages is its location.
Around 90 minutes to two hours from Paris by train
Excellent motorway connections
Close to Burgundy
Good links towards Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany
For those travelling regularly, this balance between rural life and accessibility is very attractive.
Food
Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy.
Specialities include:
Champagne
Chaource cheese
Andouillette de Troyes
Local cider
Fresh produce
Artisan chocolates
Traditional pâtisserie
Weekly markets remain an important part of everyday shopping.
Culture
Troyes is one of France's finest medieval cities, filled with colourful half-timbered houses, churches and museums.
The department celebrates its Champagne heritage through festivals, vineyard events and local food markets throughout the year.
Property
Compared with many better-known French regions, Aube remains relatively affordable.
Buyers can find:
Country cottages
Farmhouses
Village homes
Townhouses
Character properties
Modern homes around Troyes
Those looking for space generally receive much better value than around Paris.
Pace of Life
Life moves at a comfortable rhythm.
Shops often close for lunch, markets remain social occasions and people tend to value quality of life over speed. Those seeking excitement every evening may find it quiet, while those wanting peace usually find exactly what they are looking for.
Is It Right For You?
Lifestyle | Rating | Explanation |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, peaceful living, affordable homes and beautiful surroundings. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Safe communities, good schools and outdoor activities, though rural transport can be limiting. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Attractive countryside and easy access from Paris make it an excellent choice. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Opportunities exist in tourism, hospitality, food, wine and online businesses. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Increasingly good broadband and affordable housing make remote working attractive. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Superb walking, cycling, sailing, fishing and nature reserves. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Troyes offers urban amenities, but overall the department is predominantly rural. |
Popular Places to Live
Troyes
Description
The historic capital combines medieval charm with modern shopping, education and healthcare.
Ideal for
Professionals
Retirees
Families
Remote workers
Advantages
Excellent facilities
Beautiful architecture
Railway links
Restaurants and cafés
Things to consider
More traffic than elsewhere in the department.
Property prices are higher than rural areas.
Bar-sur-Aube
Description
A pleasant market town surrounded by vineyards.
Ideal for
Retirees
Wine enthusiasts
Advantages
Attractive setting
Local amenities
Strong community
Things to consider
Limited nightlife.
Bar-sur-Seine
Description
Located in the heart of the Champagne vineyards.
Ideal for
Second-home buyers
Retirees
Advantages
Wine culture
Beautiful countryside
Traditional atmosphere
Things to consider
Fewer employment opportunities.
Nogent-sur-Seine
Description
A riverside town with good rail connections towards Paris.
Ideal for
Commuters
Families
Advantages
Convenient transport
Historic centre
Good local services
Things to consider
Smaller choice of entertainment.
Romilly-sur-Seine
Description
One of the department's largest towns with a strong industrial history.
Ideal for
Families
First-time buyers
Advantages
Affordable housing
Good shopping
Schools
Things to consider
Less picturesque than Troyes.
Essoyes
Description
A charming village famous for its connection with artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Ideal for
Retirees
Artists
Second-home owners
Advantages
Attractive surroundings
Peaceful lifestyle
Things to consider
Very limited services.
Lusigny-sur-Barse
Description
Close to the lakes of the Forêt d'Orient.
Ideal for
Outdoor enthusiasts
Families
Advantages
Easy access to nature
Quiet living
Things to consider
A car is essential.
Cost of Living
Compared with many areas of France, Aube offers good overall value.
Property affordability
Property is generally affordable, particularly outside Troyes. Rural villages often offer substantial houses with gardens at prices well below those found near Paris or on the Mediterranean coast.
Shopping
Supermarkets are plentiful around Troyes and the larger towns. Weekly markets provide fresh local produce, cheeses, meat and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Utilities
Heating costs can be higher during winter due to the continental climate, particularly in older stone properties. Modern homes are generally more energy efficient.
Eating out
Restaurants range from traditional village cafés to Michelin-recognised establishments. Lunch menus often provide particularly good value.
General value for money
For many people moving from the UK or larger French cities, Aube offers an attractive balance between affordability and quality of life.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is good, particularly around Troyes.
Main hospitals
Centre Hospitalier de Troyes
Hospital facilities in Romilly-sur-Seine
Local hospitals in Bar-sur-Aube and Nogent-sur-Seine
Healthcare availability
Most residents have reasonable access to GPs, dentists and pharmacies, although finding a regular doctor can sometimes take time in rural areas.
Access to specialists
Most specialists are based in Troyes. Some patients may travel to Reims or Paris for highly specialised treatment.
Pharmacies
Every sizeable town has at least one pharmacy, with emergency cover organised outside normal opening hours.
General healthcare considerations
France's healthcare system is highly regarded, but registering with healthcare providers soon after arrival is recommended.
Education
Families relocating to Aube have a range of educational options.
Schools
The department has numerous public primary and secondary schools, along with several private establishments.
Colleges
Troyes is home to higher education institutions, including engineering and business schools, giving the city a lively student population.
International options
There are no major international schools within Aube, although bilingual education is available in some nearby areas.
Language schools
French language courses for newcomers can be found through local organisations, adult education centres and private tutors.
Getting Around
Airports
The nearest major airports include:
Paris Charles de Gaulle
Paris Orly
Châlons Vatry Airport (limited services)
Rail
Troyes enjoys direct rail services to Paris, making day trips and commuting feasible.
Roads
Excellent motorway access includes the A5 linking Paris with eastern France.
Public transport
Bus services operate within towns, but rural services are limited.
Is a car recommended?
Yes. Outside Troyes, owning a car makes everyday life significantly easier.
Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Troyes | Saturday |
Bar-sur-Aube | Saturday |
Bar-sur-Seine | Friday |
Nogent-sur-Seine | Monday |
Romilly-sur-Seine | Friday |
Essoyes | Thursday (seasonal) |
Brienne-le-Château | Thursday |
Lusigny-sur-Barse | Sunday (seasonal) |
Local Food & Drink
Aube is one of France's gastronomic highlights.
Local specialities include:
Champagne from the Côte des Bar vineyards
Chaource cheese (AOP)
Andouillette de Troyes
Prunelle de Troyes liqueur
Cider
Artisan chocolates
Game dishes
Fresh river fish
Local honey
Traditional pastries
Things to Do
Historic sites
Medieval centre of Troyes
Magnificent churches
Clairvaux Abbey
Château de La Motte-Tilly
Outdoor activities
Walking
Cycling
Fishing
Horse riding
Sailing
Birdwatching
Museums
Museum of Modern Art in Troyes
Tool and Trades Museum
Renoir Museum in Essoyes
Festivals
Champagne celebrations
Medieval festivals
Music events
Local food festivals
Nature
The Forêt d'Orient Regional Natural Park is one of France's finest inland recreational areas, with large lakes, beaches, forests and wildlife reserves.
Family attractions
Lac d'Orient beaches
Adventure parks
Animal parks
Cycling routes
Water sports
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
French is used almost everywhere. Learning the language will greatly improve your experience and help you integrate into the local community.
Rural living
Many villages are peaceful but have limited services. Shopping trips may require driving to larger towns.
Internet
Fibre broadband continues to expand across the department, although speeds still vary between villages.
Seasonal tourism
Tourism is busiest during the summer and Champagne harvest season, but the department remains relatively calm compared with many French destinations.
Climate
Expect warm summers, colourful autumns, cool winters and pleasant spring weather.
Community life
Joining local associations, sports clubs and village events is one of the quickest ways to build friendships and become part of the community.
Useful Biz Où? Guides
If you're considering Living in Aube, Moving to Aube or Retiring in Aube, these guides are particularly helpful:
Buying a Home in France
Retiring to France
Second Home in France
Starting a Business in France
Healthcare in France
Tax in France
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're relocating permanently, buying a holiday home or planning an extended stay, finding reliable local professionals can make settling into Aube much easier.
Biz Où? helps you connect with trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property specialists, accountants, healthcare providers, tradespeople, legal professionals, insurance advisers, gardeners, cleaners and many other services. It's a practical way to find businesses that understand both your language and the realities of living in France, helping you settle into Aube with greater confidence.
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