Two distinct themes shape Auberive: the Cistercian abbey, founded in 1135 by twelve monks from Clairvaux Abbey, and the state forest with its three massifs. During your stay, you can focus on cultural history and art or on nature watching and hiking. The town’s history stretches from the founding of the abbey to its former connection with a metallurgical works; nature activities lead into the forest, along the Aube and onto marked trails. You can choose how to balance these themes according to your interests.
Abbey, Heritage Protection and Art
The Cistercian abbey was founded in 1135 by twelve monks from Clairvaux. The former Abbey of Auberive, also known as Maison Saint-Jean, is partly classified as a historic monument and partly listed under the French heritage protection system; some features are fully protected. The different protection designations therefore do not apply equally to every part.
The abbey’s contemporary art centre holds a private collection of contemporary figurative expressionist art and Art Singulier. The history of a Cistercian foundation and modern art thus offer distinct cultural perspectives on Auberive. The abbey’s mobile app allows visitors to explore its history independently and at their own pace. As app features may change, check the current functionality in advance if needed. In 2026, visits are possible Monday to Friday by prior appointment; check the applicable arrangements before your visit.
Forest, Wildlife and Cabanes Nature
The Auberive state forest covers thousands of hectares and consists of the three massifs of Montgérand, Montaubert and Montavoir. Its varied flora is complemented by populations of red deer, roe deer and wild boar. Wildlife can also be observed at the Enclos à gibier: this wildlife observation park is home to fallow deer and wild boar. The diversity of the forest and the chance to observe these animals in the park offer two distinct nature experiences.
Some of the Cabanes nature d’Auberive are freely accessible and can be reached on foot, on horseback or by bicycle via marked hiking trails. Access rules may vary from one cabane to another. The state forest is accessible year-round outside the hunting seasons. Take hunting seasons into account when planning your visit and check them before setting out.
Trails with Different Themes
The discovery trail at the source of the Aube follows the riverbanks as an interpretive route and explores the relationship between people and nature. The regional long-distance hiking trail Sentier de la Belle Ă©toile passes through Auberive; check the current trail markings before setting out. The GR7 offers a specific stage: its sixth stage runs from Noidant-le-Rocheux to Auberive and passes through the Bois du Prachey and the Auberive state forest.
The trails offer different perspectives: the discovery trail focuses on the relationship between people and nature along the riverbanks, while the described GR7 stage links named sections of woodland. The Sentier de la Belle Ă©toile is another way to include Auberive in a hiking itinerary as a regional long-distance trail. Check the trail markings before setting out.
Another Perspective on the Abbey’s History
La Thuilière broadens the cultural and historical picture with a former metallurgical enterprise. Before the French Revolution, the enterprise belonged to the Abbey of Auberive. Thus, alongside the monastery’s founding and the art collection, the abbey’s former connection with metalworking is another part of the area’s history.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Michel, Poissons, Laferté-sur-Aube, Thonnance Les Moulins, Ecot-La-Combe, Dardenay, Fayl-Billot, Doulaincourt-Saucourt.
For the broader travel overview: Haute-Marne.
