Motorcycle accommodation in Aube with secure parking

The Aube is a department you have to earn from the saddle. Often overlooked in favour of the neighbouring Vosges, this Champagne department has some real gems waiting for riders willing to explore. Between the chalky cereal plains of the north and the wooded hills of the south, the landscapes shift dramatically. The Côte des Bar rolls out its hilly vineyards where stone-built Burgundian villages beg you to pull over. Around the three lakes of the Forêt d'Orient, twisting roads cut through vast oak forests before hugging the jagged shorelines. Troyes and its listed medieval centre are well worth the detour, as are the quiet backroads leading to Bar-sur-Aube or Essoyes. The Aube delivers a well-rounded riding experience, blending enjoyable curves, Templar heritage and Champagne gastronomy. Everything you need for a complete moto weekend, without the crowds, with a genuine sense of escape just two hours from Paris.

What to see and do in the Aube by motorcycle?

Troyes, the historic capital, spreads its medieval centre — shaped like a Champagne cork — across a maze of half-timbered streets, Gothic churches and extraordinary stained glass. The Cité du Vitrail offers a unique immersion into this sacred art. From there, head to the Forêt d'Orient and its three artificial lakes, true green lungs where nature and water come together beautifully. Brienne-le-Château echoes Napoleon, who studied there, while Bar-sur-Aube charms with its Champagne hillsides and medieval fairs. On the Côte des Bar, Les Riceys lines up three wine villages producing the rare AOC rosé. Essoyes reveals Renoir's family home and the Impressionist landscapes that inspired him. Templar heritage awaits at the commanderies of Avalleur and Payns. Clairvaux Abbey, founded by Saint Bernard, impresses with its Cistercian architecture. On the food front, you can't leave without trying Chaource cheese, Troyes andouillette sausage and a visit to a welcoming Champagne cellar. Families will love Nigloland's wide range of attractions. The Aube blends culture, nature and vineyards with an authenticity that's rarely been touched.

Which motorcycle routes should you explore in the Aube?

The Aube serves up a surprising riding cocktail of plains, vineyards and rolling forested hills. The standout circuit kicks off on the D619, which cuts through the Forêt d'Orient park hugging all three lakes — perfect for alternating straight forest stretches with bends right on the water's edge. The D67 between Courteron and Essoyes winds through the Côte des Bar vineyard with some lovely hairpins and sweeping views over the Champagne hillsides. Further south, the D428 then D928 towards Auberive strings together sinuous forest sections that feel like the Vosges without the crowds. The D4 between Bar-sur-Aube and Bar-sur-Seine offers a rolling route through woodland and vines — stunning in autumn during harvest season. For a full itinerary, the Troyes – Lacs d'Orient – Bar-sur-Aube – Essoyes loop back through the vineyards blends heritage, nature and genuinely enjoyable roads. Autumn is the best time to ride, with blazing colours and mild weather, while avoiding the farm machinery that clogs the roads in summer. A few discreet bends but no mountain passes: the Aube is all about relaxed riding pleasure and ever-changing scenery.

Frequently asked questions