Would you like to offer your group a trip that brings together heritage, landscapes and regional flavours? Based at the Alba Hôtel du Lac d’Orient, travellers enjoy a 2 to 8-day tour in the heart of the Aube, Grand Est. Troyes, vineyards, lakes, villages and local craftsmanship set the rhythm of the programme. A complete package designed to make organisation easier for associations, agencies and coach operators.
A trip to the heart of Champagne from the Lac d’Orient
The tour is based in Mesnil-Saint-Père, in the heart of the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park. Right next to the lake, the Alba Hôtel du Lac d’Orient serves as the starting point for excursions around the Aube. The group returns to the same accommodation every evening, which simplifies the organisation of the trip and avoids moving luggage around.
On arrival, travellers settle into their rooms before sharing a welcome drink and a presentation of the programme. The trip then alternates cultural visits, natural sites, tastings and free time, with lunches at the hotel or in a restaurant depending on the day.
A programme full of cultural visits
The tour takes your group to Troyes, the former historic capital of Champagne. A guided tour reveals the half-timbered houses, the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul and the Maison de l’Outil et de la Pensée Ouvrière, a museum of tools and craftsmanship. In Essoyes, the cultural centre, the family home and the studio of Pierre-Auguste Renoir trace the painter’s bond with this village in the Aube.
Other stops round out this immersion in the region’s history. The group visits the Château de Vaux through an investigation inspired by Vidocq, then the Musée Napoléon in Brienne-le-Château. The Knights Templar commandery of Avalleur, the Moulin des Dosches and Clairvaux Abbey also offer several perspectives on the heritage of Champagne.
Finally, the programme stops in Chaource, where the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste houses a 16th-century Entombment. These varied visits give the trip a cultural rhythm that is accessible to associations, clubs and groups of friends.
Landscapes of lakes and vineyards
The trip gives pride of place to the landscapes of the Forêt d’Orient. In Mesnil-Saint-Père, the group enjoys a free stroll along the shores of the Lac d’Orient. A guided cruise can also round off the morning. The stop at the Lac d’Amance, known for its birdlife, offers another glimpse of this natural environment.
The tour also heads into the Champagne vineyards for a cellar visit followed by a tasting. This encounter with the terroir complements the cultural visits and helps the group better understand the identity of Champagne.
The flavours and crafts of the Aube
The tour sets aside several stops for local specialities. In Maizières-la-Grande-Paroisse, the group visits a biscuit factory and tastes the “petits maizièrons”. In Chaource, a cheese dairy presents the stages involved in making the famous Chaource cheese. A tasting of regional produce also rounds off the visit to Clairvaux Abbey.
The crafts of the Aube also play a central role in the programme. The Cristallerie Royale de Bayel traces the history of glass and crystal, while the Espace Vivant de la Bonneterie, in Romilly-sur-Seine, recalls the importance of hosiery-making in the area. These visits encourage conversation and give the trip a hands-on dimension.
A hotel geared to hosting groups
The Alba Hôtel du Lac d’Orient welcomes travellers in a peaceful setting in Mesnil-Saint-Père, right next to the lake. This 3-star hotel has 60 ground-floor rooms, including 30 twin rooms, as well as free private parking accessible to coaches. These facilities make the group’s arrival and check-in easier.
The restaurant can seat up to 140 guests and serves traditional regional cuisine. After the excursions, travellers can enjoy a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a jacuzzi and a fitness area. The hotel thus becomes a comfortable base for the visits and a pleasant place to unwind.
A simple package to organise your tour
The tour is offered as an all-inclusive stay of 2 to 8 days, with a full programme of 8 days and 7 nights. The package includes the welcome drink, full board, accommodation in a double room, visits, excursions and the guide.
A first free place is granted for 20 paying participants and goes to the driver. A second free place applies from 40 paying participants. To find out the prices and adapt the length of the trip to your group, you can send your request directly to CircuitGroupes.
Plan your Discovery Stay in Champagne with CircuitGroupes
Between heritage, lakes, vineyards and local specialities, this tour offers your group a varied programme from a single base near the Lac d’Orient. Its flexible length and included services simplify every step of the organisation.
Entrust your project to CircuitGroupes and access a package designed for group travel. Take a look at the Discovery Stay in Champagne, request your quote and plan your next departure with the Alba Hôtel du Lac d’Orient. For more information, contact CircuitGroupes.
