Complete Travel Guide to Département de l'Aube, France

Département de l'Aube Aube is a French department in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. As with sixty departments in France, this department is named after a river: the Aube. With 310,242 inhabitants (2019), Aube is the 74th department in terms of population. The inhabitants of the department are known as Aubois or Auboises. Positioned at coordinates 48.25°N, 4.08333°E, Département de l'Aube occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Département de l'Aube place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. Home to 311076 residents, Département de l'Aube maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Département de l'Aube represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Département de l'Aube reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout France, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Grand-Est province, Département de l'Aube contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines France's regional character. The role of Département de l'Aube in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Département de l'Aube discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of France while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Département de l'Aube

History #Early history The first inhabitants of Aube were the Tricasses and Lingones with a substantial human settlement around the year 400 BC Saints Potentian and Savinian, Greek priests from Samos, came to preach the gospel from the middle of the 3rd century.

Saint Patroclus was one of the first martyrs of the new faith in the year 259 Shortly after _Saint Jule_ and some notables of the city of Tricasses also suffered martyrdom Nevertheless, as elsewhere, the Christian community became large enough to accommodate a bishop.

_Saint Amateur_ was the first in 340 In the year 286 the Bagaudae ravaged the land which forms Aube Emperor Julian came to Troyes with his army and rescued it The territory making up Aube was first attached to France in 843, following the Treaty of Verdun.

#The 12th century and the monasteries The Abbey of Clairvaux: today a prison Two important monasteries were founded in the department: one at Clairvaux in 1114, created by Bernard of Clairvaux, the other was the Abbey of the Paraclete near Nogent-sur-Seine, by his illustrious rival, Pierre Abélard and of which Héloïse d'Argenteuil was the first abbess.

Bernard of Clairvaux was noted for his eloquence at the Council of Troyes and his preaching of the Second Crusade which had no result and whose outcome was disastrous The reunion of Champagne with the kingdom of France was finalised in 1361 Yet people wanted absolutely the incorporation of Champagne but in 1328 King Philip VI gave the city of Bar-sur-Seine to Philippe de Croy.

The inhabitants, however, ransomed him to return it to the king on the condition that it become inalienable #Definitive reunion with Kingdom of France The decree of the National Assembly of 15 January 1790 formally established the department of Aube Its first president was Augustin-Henri-Marie Picot and his first deputy was Louis Antoine Joseph Robin.

Jacques Claude Beugnot was elected attorney-general and also MP After the victory of the allies in the battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815, the department was occupied by Russian troops from June 1815 to November 1818 In 1911, following the revolt of the vineyards of Champagne, large riots broke out in the department.

In 1919, a decree allowed Aube department to produce champagne for the first time In 1932, Turkish president Mustafa Kemal Atatürk visited Aube and signed a friendship treaty with France there on 4 July 1938 #Heraldry Arms of Aube **Blazon:** _Azure, a band argent with two cotises potent and counter potent in Or, chief wavy in argent.

"Saint-Potentien and Saint-Savinien, first preachers of the Gospel in Gaul" Archived from the original on 8 February 2008 ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ _Genealogical and Heraldic History of the peers of France_, Volume 8, Jean Baptiste Pierre Jullien de Courcelles, 1827 (in French) 3.

_Regions-Tourism-Arkantz_, 2007, consulted on 19 September 2010 (in French) 4.

The historical trajectory of Département de l'Aube demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Département de l'Aube reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Département de l'Aube remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography #Location Entry to the Aube department from Route N77 The Aube department is located in the southwest side of the Grand Est region. It borders the departments of Marne in the north (about 130 km long), Haute- Marne to the east (about 100 km long), Côte-d'Or in the southeast (about 45 km long), Yonne in the southwest (about 175 km long), and Seine-et-Marne in the west (about 45 km long). #Subregions of Aube Map of natural and traditional regions of the department. Within the department regions of natural or traditional countryside can be identified as follows: * northwest quarter: _Champagne crayeuse_ (chalky Champagne soil) * northwestern tip: the _Nogentais_ * southwest of Troyes: the Othe region * to the south: _le Chaourçois_ * to the northeast: the _Briennois_ * to the east: the _Barrois_ * between Troyes and Barrois: Champagne wetlands #Communes of Aube Main article: Communes of the Aube department Aube is divided into 431 communes totalling 310,242 inhabitants (2019). The most populous commune is the prefecture Troyes. As of 2019, there are 5 communes with more than 10,000 inhabitants: Commune Population (2019) Troyes 61,957 Romilly-sur-Seine 14,480 Saint-André-les-Vergers 12,784 La Chapelle-Saint-Luc 11,741 Sainte-Savine 10,508 All of those communes, except Romilly-sur-Seine, are part of the agglomeration of Troyes. #Topography and geology Altitude of the main towns of Aube Troyes Romilly-sur-Seine Bar-sur-Aube Nogent-sur-Seine Lowest Altitude 100 metres 67 metres 156 metres 60 metres Highest Altitude 126 metres 112 metres 348 metres 113 metres Average Altitude 113 metres 90 metres 252 metres 87 metres Town Hall Altitude 107 metres 77 metres 165 metres 71 metres #Hydrography The Seine at Bar-sur-Seine There are 23 rivers throughout the department,[Note 1] the four main rivers being the Seine, the Aube (tributary of the Seine), the Armance (tributary of the Armançon), and the Vanne (a tributary of the Yonne). Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Département de l'Aube, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. #Forests and lakes Temple Lake seen from the dam The department has 140,000 hectares of forests. Located in the Community of communes of Forests, lakes, and lands in Champagne, the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park was one of the first natural parks created in France. In the same place, there is the Orient Lake and the Amance and Temple lakes where fishing, recreational water sports, and bathing are available. Each lake specialises in one or more of these activities. #Climate The climate is moderate without intense cold or excessive heat which represents a climate similar to continental and oceanic. Between 1950 and 1985 the average annual temperature recorded in the department was 10. 1 °C which is equivalent to the Paris basin and the cities of north-eastern France. The average sunshine hours per year is 1771. Average annual rainfall is quite high (653. 4 mm over 115 days of rain). In general there is.

The topographic characteristics of Département de l'Aube result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Département de l'Aube region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Département de l'Aube area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Département de l'Aube has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Département de l'Aube demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Département de l'Aube create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate The climate is moderate without intense cold or excessive heat which represents a climate similar to continental and oceanic. Between 1950 and 1985 the average annual temperature recorded in the department was 10. Temperature patterns in Département de l’Aube influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 1 °C which is equivalent to the Paris basin and the cities of north-eastern France. The average sunshine hours per year is 1771. Average annual rainfall is quite high (653. 4 mm over 115 days of rain). In general there is more rain in autumn than in winter but rainfall is highest during spring. In contrast summer is the season when rainfall is lowest. There is, however, more rain in the south-east than the north-west. Snow is relatively infrequent. Prevailing wind is from the west. Comparison of local Meteorological data with other cities in France Town Sunshine (hours/yr) Rain (mm/yr) Snow (days/yr) Storm (days/yr) Fog (days/yr) National average 1,973 770 14 22 40 Troyes 1,817 645 15 17 38 Paris 1,661 637 12 18 10 Nice 2,724 767 1 29 1 Strasbourg 1,693 665 29 29 56 Brest 1,605 1,211 7 12 75 Climate data for Troyes Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 6. 3) Daily mean °C (°F) 3. 4) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −0. 4) Average precipitation mm (inches) 50. Rainfall patterns in Département de l’Aube determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 39) Average precipitation days (≥ 1 mm) 10. Rainfall patterns in Département de l’Aube determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 2 Mean monthly sunshine hours 69 88 144 185 215 229 235 228 179 124 67 54 1,817 Source: Meteorological data for Troyes – 112 m altitude, from 1981 to 2010 January 2015 (in French) 1. ^ a b Readings from the Météo-France station at Barberey-Saint-Sulpice 2. Paris, Nice, Strasbourg, Brest 3. Data from the Station at Troyes from 1981 to 2010 (in French).

The climatic regime of Département de l’Aube reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Département de l’Aube create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Département de l’Aube determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Département de l’Aube create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Département de l’Aube demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Département de l’Aube include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

##Agriculture Harvesting hemp at Saint-Flavy The utilized agricultural area is 379,720 hectares. Aube is the largest producer of hemp; the 2nd largest producer of champagne, cabbage for sauerkraut, medicinal poppies, and alfalfa; the 6th largest producer of potatoes; the 8th largest producer of cereals; and the 9th largest producer of beet in France. Cite error: The named reference ChiffresCGA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

The cultural landscape of Département de l’Aube represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Département de l’Aube reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Département de l’Aube continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Département de l’Aube provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Département de l’Aube demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Département de l’Aube provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy #General The economy of Aube has focused on the textile industry since the 19th century. This sector is now in crisis due to the department being in an area of real economic change. In 2017, the departmental workforce totalled 137,774 with 114,530 persons in employment and 23,244 people unemployed. Men accounted for 51. 4% of the active population and women 48. The Aube department has a high rate of feminization in employment. Nearly half of people with active jobs (48. 1% in 2017) are women. The main areas affected by the feminization are trade, transport, textiles, utilities, education, and health. Women are slightly more affected than men by unemployment (51. 3% of the unemployed in 2017). This is mainly due to layoffs in the textile sector. #Employment by sector **Distribution of Employment by Industry sector (2015)** Agriculture Industry Construction Commerce[Note 1] Public Administration[Note 2] Aube 3. 4% Source: INSEE #Main economic sectors ##Industry Large Industrial Companies No. of Employees Petit Bateau (Textiles) 1,022 Devanlay (Textiles) 1,018 Soufflet (Cereals) 874 Kléber (Pneumatics) 790 Vachette (Locks) 600 Mefro Roues (Wheel rims) 584 Valco (Furniture) 575 Petitjean (Public lighting) 567 Jacquot (Chocolate) 550 ##Tourism Accommodations No. Establishments Hotels 66 1,991 rooms Camping 23 1,618 places Holiday Cottages 310 2,006 places ##Agriculture Harvesting hemp at Saint-Flavy The utilized agricultural area is 379,720 hectares. Aube is the largest producer of hemp; the 2nd largest producer of champagne, cabbage for sauerkraut, medicinal poppies, and alfalfa; the 6th largest producer of potatoes; the 8th largest producer of cereals; and the 9th largest producer of beet in France. ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ Dossier complet: Département de l'Aube (10), INSEE. Retrieved 10 September 2020. ^ _**a**_ _**b**_ _**c**_ Cite error: The named reference `ChiffresCGA` was invoked but never defined (see the help page). Cite error: There are `` tags on this page, but the references will not show without a `{{reflist|group=Note}}` template (see the help page).

The economic structure of Département de l'Aube reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Département de l'Aube often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Département de l'Aube serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Département de l'Aube demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Département de l'Aube has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Département de l'Aube focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

#Channels of communication and transport ##Road network The department has 150 km of autoroutes, 33 km of national roads, 4,517 km of departmental roads and 2,116 km of local roads. ##Communal transport In the Agglomeration of Troyes TCAT (Transport for the Communes of Troyes) provides a transport network between communes. Unlike many networks that are provided by other operators, the agglomeration community of the city is the owner of the company. The network currently serves eleven communes including two outside the Troyes agglomeration. Other cities, including Romilly-sur-Seine, have no transport network. Aube also has intercity transport networks. 21 regular bus routes are operated between the major cities of the department. The use of these lines is entrusted to private coaches: Transdev – The Carriers of Aube has 15 routes, Keolis Sud Lorraine has 4 routes, Procars Champagne has 2 routes, Autocars Bardy has one route. ##Rail network Troyes Station Five railway stations are currently in operation. These are: Nogent-sur-Seine, Romilly-sur-Seine, Troyes, Vendeuvre-sur-Barse, Bar-sur-Aube. Aube does not have a strong rail coverage. Only one main non-electrified line passes through Aube – the line that connects Paris-Est to Mulhouse. ##Navigable waterways The department has 34. 8 km of navigable waterways. The city of Nogent-sur- Seine has two river ports for grain. ^ a b Aube and its budget[permanent dead link], General Council of Aube, 2011, consulted on 14 May 2011 (in French) 2. “Résultats de recherche l-entreprise - TCAT”. Archived from the original on 15 March 2015. List of Networks in Aube department, Trans’bus, consulted on 20 September 2010 (in French) 4. “Implantations, Ets interurbains et Pôle Régional de Transdev Grand Est”. transdev-grandest. Keolis Sud Lorraine (in French) 6. “ProCars Champagne - Partenaire de tous vos déplacements et voyages. procars-champagne. Archived from the original on 11 November 2008. “Autocars Bardy”. Archived from the original on 23 June 2012. The port of Aube at Nogent-sur-Seine, Aube Développement, consulted on 21 September 2010 (in French).

Transportation infrastructure serving Département de l’Aube reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout France. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Département de l’Aube.

Regional connectivity from Département de l’Aube provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

#Education An old school at Troyes ##Primary and secondary In 2010 elementary and secondary education consisted of: * 11,568 students in kindergarten across 136 schools (including 1 private); * 18,465 students in primary school across 255 schools (including 14 private); * 12,311 students in college across 34 institutions (including 9 private); * 5,199 students in schools of general education across 10 institutions (including 3 private); * 2,666 students in vocational high school across 10 institutions (including 3 private). ##Higher education According to the latest census of the academic inspectorate of Aube in 2009 the department has 8,794 students in higher education.[Note 1] List of Universities and Higher Educational Schools Public Schools * University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) * Institute of Technology of Troyes (University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne) * Faculty (University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne) * Institute for Heritage Skills (IUMP) * Institute for Teacher Training (IUFM) * Institute for Nursing Education (IFSI of Troyes/DE IDE) * Preparatory classes for Higher Education (CPGE) scientific and economic * Graduate School for Applied Arts in Troyes * National Conservatory of Music in Troyes Private Schools * Graduate School of Commerce in Troyes * Supinfo 1. ^ a b The first degree in Aube[permanent dead link], rectory of the Academy of Reims, consulted on 27 October 2010 (in French) 2. ^ a b c The second degree in Aube[permanent dead link], rectory of the Academy of Reims, consulted on 27 October 2010 (in French) 3. Cite error: The named reference ChiffresCGA was invoked but never defined (see the help page). Cite error: There are <ref group="Note"> tags on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=Note}} template (see the help page).

Educational institutions in Département de l’Aube serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Visitor Attractions and Cultural Experiences

##Tourism Accommodations No. Establishments Hotels 66 1,991 rooms Camping 23 1,618 places Holiday Cottages 310 2,006 places 1. Cite error: The named reference `ChiffresCGA` was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

Tourism opportunities in Département de l'Aube emphasize authentic cultural experiences and meaningful interaction with local communities rather than commercialized attractions, providing visitors with genuine insights into traditional ways of life.

Planning Your Visit to Département de l’Aube

Successful visits to Département de l’Aube require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Département de l’Aube often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Département de l’Aube include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Département de l’Aube extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.