There's no shortage of medieval villages in the Île-de-France region, ideal for a day trip back in time! And the town of Provins is renowned for being the largest medieval city in the region, a veritable historical gem that plunges us back into the Middle Ages, with its restored ramparts, cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and exceptional medieval monuments. Accessible by public transport ( line P), the city is located 77 kilometers east of the capital, offering a complete change of scenery just a stone's throw from Paris!
Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2001, Provins is brimming with historical sights and reveals to day visitors a remarkable architectural heritage, thanks to the Counts of Champagne who shaped its face. You have to go back to the Middle Ages to grasp the grandeur of this town, which in the 12th century was the third-largest city in France, after Paris and Rouen! Provins was then glorious thanks to its Champagne fairs, which attracted merchants and visitors from all over Europe, and even beyond, and contributed to the town's prosperity. Many events still celebrate this incredible past, all year round!
The Provins rose is just one of the goods that made its way to the Île-de-France region, brought back from Damascus by Thibaud IV, according to legend. A major trading centeron the continent, the town has preserved its three-storey merchants' houses, adapted to storage and sales, which can be visited at the Grange aux Dîmes. Hidden behind its majestic ramparts and watchtowers, the city is also home to the Tour César, a symbol of the Counts' power, a rose garden ideal for relaxing, a monumental church and well-preserved underground passageways, making for an unmissable historic excursion!
We recommend the Pass Provins, which allows you to visit the monuments of the medieval town at a reduced rate of 15 euros per adult and 10 euros per child, if you're planning to discover the town's main tourist attractions. It also entitles you to a discount on horse-riding and falconry shows - not to be missed! You can easily explore the city in a day, but some hotels can accommodate you for an entire weekend.
If you're arriving by car, start in the upper town at the Tourist Office, near the Porte Saint-Jean. If you take the train, you'll have to climb up and discover the city via the lower town, which has a few curiosities in store for you, although most of the monuments are in the Châtel district. But the walk is easy and authentic, between old houses and waterways.
Don't forget a picnic if you're staying up here, as you'll have to go back down into the valley to get something to eat, unless you prefer to eat in one of the establishments on Place du Châtel, where you'll also find souvenir stores. Before climbing up to the Tour César, head for the underground passages, where it's a little cooler, so don't forget your jacket!
Dug a few meters underground, they are filled with chalk and were used in medieval times to construct buildings. The visit is necessarily a guided tour, as it's a veritable labyrinth where you could easily get lost. Your guide will tell you many anecdotes about the place, where Freemasons once held meetings, through impressive cavities and vaulted rooms.
On the way up to Châtel, don't miss the imposing Collégiale Saint-Quiriace, a huge church built in the second half of the 12th century but never completed, with its dome and superb nave. Then head for the Tour César, the city's main monument, which served as a prison, refuge or watchtower, depending on the era. Climb to the very top of the keep for a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings, and don't hesitate to climb up to the bells, although the stairs are rather steep!
Near the Place du Châtel, where all the life of the upper town bustles, discover the Grange aux dîmes, a merchant's house that was used as a covered market during fairs, then as a tax warehouse, hence its name! You'll discover superb vaulted rooms and an interesting scenography on merchants in the Middle Ages, during a short visit. If you have time, you can also visit the beautiful Prieuré Saint-Ayoul or the Musée de Provins et du Provinois, which presents the history of the town.
The Roseraie de Provins is a real must-see, especially when the roses are in full bloom at the end of May, and the hundreds of varieties in the garden are truly fragrant. With its bucolic little bridges, hidden labyrinth and wooded areas, it's a little corner of paradise where you can rest your feet and take a breather, lulled by the sound of the wind and the birds, while sipping a little rose tea, which is added to many of the products sold on site.
Before enjoying the Provins shows,"La Légende des Chevaliers" or"Les Aigles des Remparts", a stroll along the ramparts is a must! Built to protect people and wealth, but also to demonstrate the power of the Counts of Champagne, this fortified enclosure is one of the largest in France, offering a breathtaking panorama. Throughout the tourist season, historical performances take us back to the Middle Ages, with incredible adventures perfect for the whole family!
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Location
Provins
77160 Provins
77160 Provins
Recommended age
For all
Official website
provins.net
