Fancy a Christmas market like in the days of lords and knights? The town of Provins invites you to a magical weekend with its 14th Marché Médiéval de Noël, on Saturday December 13 and Sunday December 14, 2025. This medieval town in the 77 region of France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an authentic setting that transports us straight back to the Middle Ages to celebrate the festive season as it was in days gone by.
For its fourteenth edition, Provins' Marché Médiéval de Noël takes us on a veritable time machine, back to the days when craftsmen revived almost-forgotten skills. You'll be delighted to see demonstrations of pottery, blacksmithing and weaving, all carried out by enthusiasts who perpetuate these traditions with touching care and love of their craft. These demonstrations provide a better understanding of the painstaking work behind these objects of yesteryear, and perhaps even a chance to take home a unique handmade piece for an original gift.
What really sets this medieval market apart from others is its authenticity and playful atmosphere, which lures you in from the moment you enter. Winter in Provins takes on a fairytale quality thanks to medieval entertainment that transports us back in time with a touch of magic. The program includes juggling shows that leave you breathless, knights' fights that thrill you, and strolling musicians playing medieval tunes that lull you to sleep. In the evening, the market is decked out in a thousand lights, creating a warm, fairytale atmosphere that amazes young and old alike, and even the most jaded among us.
In the lower town, the craft market awaits you with its treasures: fragrant gourmet specialities, heart-warming mulled wine, sparkling jewelry and decorative items that make you want to take it all away. And let's not forget Santa Claus himself, with his letterbox to tell him what you'd like to buy, a big tombola with shopkeepers and an Advent calendar to delight all the children. You can warm up by dancing to traditional tunes and taking part in gourmet banquets. For the occasion, the taverns set up on site treat us to typical dishes of the period, blending spices and local produce, perfect for traveling back in time for a meal. What's more, we love the period costumes worn by the craftsmen and entertainers, adding that extra touch of magic to an already extraordinary event.
This market is the perfect opportunity to stroll through the stalls and pick up local products or handcrafted creations, ideal for Christmas gifts that are truly out of the ordinary. You'll find delicate jewelry, wooden toys reminiscent of our childhood, magnificent ceramics and a host of other lovingly handcrafted items, all in a friendly, festive atmosphere that's sure to make you feel good. It's also a good time to chat with the artisans, discover their craft and their secrets, and why not try your hand at some ancestral techniques.
The Place du Châtel and Place Saint-Quiriace will be home to some 60 demonstrating artisans, ready to show you their age-old skills, reminding us just how valuable manual labor can be. Troubadours, jugglers and fire-eaters will liven up the Provins Christmas market in a friendly, upbeat atmosphere. The market is open free of charge on Saturday, December 13, from 11am to 10pm, and on Sunday, December 14, from 10am to 6pm, for the enjoyment of young and old alike.
This weekend's programme includes the following not-to-be-missed events:
For history buffs, there are two experiences not to be missed. The guided tour "La Fête au Moyen Âge", lasting 1h30, will introduce you to medieval traditions (€12 per participant, booking required). Even more immersive, the "Legends and Beliefs" theatrical tour explores medieval myths in Provins' underground passages. These 45-minute sessions plunge you into the mysteries of the city (€16 per person, upon reservation).
Meet Santa Claus in the lower room of the Tour César, where children can hand in their letters and take souvenir photos. This magical event takes place on December 13, 14, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24, from 3pm to 6pm. Admission is €5 for adults and €3 for children aged 4 to 12.
On the forecourt of the Saint-Ayoul Cultural Center, a 420 m² natural ice rink will be open every day from December 6, 2025 to January 5, 2026, with late-night openings until 9pm on Saturdays. Access to the rink is priced at €7 for adults and €6 for children under 12, including skates. A great way to prolong the magic of the festive season.
On December 6 and 7, climb aboard an authentic steam train dating from the early XXᵉ century for a unique getaway. Departure from Longueville SNCF station at 1:30pm, return scheduled for 5pm. Return fares are €40 for adults and €20 for children aged 6 to 11 (free for children under 6). Reservations required.
This Christmas 2025, in Longueville, not far from Provins, in the Seine-et-Marne region, Santa Claus is said to have swapped his sleigh for a train. Just 7 kilometers from Provins, this event promises to be a magical afternoon, if you can follow us!
We recommend that you take the whole weekend to visit Provins and take full advantage of this unique event. The Provins Medieval Christmas Market, with its quality craftsmanship and varied entertainment, offers us a truly timeless moment, ideal for immersing ourselves in the spirit of Christmas while rediscovering ancient traditions that take us on a voyage of discovery.
So don't miss this not-to-be-missed Christmas stroll, on December 13 and 14, 2025, to immerse yourself in this enchanting, authentic atmosphere that's a welcome change from everyday life!
By train: From Paris, take the Transilien line P at Gare de l'Est in the direction of Provins. Allow around 1h15 for the journey. Once at Provins station, the upper town and medieval market are within walking distance.
By car: From Paris, take the A4 towards Troyes, then the N4 to Provins. It's about an hour and a half's drive from the capital. Parking is available in town.
Dates and Opening Time
From December 13, 2025 to December 14, 2025
Location
Place du Chatel
Place du Châtel
77160 Provins
Prices
Free
Official website
noel-medieval-provins.com
