Provins, Ile de France, guide de voyage

Visitez Provins apartments hotels : location des voitures

Provins guide

Provins is to the south-east of Paris (take the Metz/Strasbourg motorway to junction 13, then follow the signs for Provins).

Although it existed in earlier times, Provins came into its own in 996, when the remains of Saint Ayoul were found in the town, prompting the drainage of the surrounding marshland and the construction of various religious buildings. It continued to grow and its markets and fairs during the early middle ages were held in wide repute. The largest middle age fair in Champagne was at Provins. By the end of the 13th century the town's importance had started to decline due to competition from other fairs.

Much remains of Provins from its heyday, making it a very interesting and attractive town to visit. The half-timbered houses, the fortifications and churches, along with some subterranean galleries that were once the meeting places of secret societies, all combine to give the illusion of having entered a different world. The town boasts an extraordinary 58 listed 'historical monuments'.

Caesar's Tower is perhaps the highlight, towering above the town and having good views over the countryside, with the Tithe Barn - historically a covered market - runing a close second, with room-by-room recreations of various middle-age trades.

Provins has the unusual distinction of making a wide range of products from roses, such as rose jam, rose confectionery and rose honey - it is claimed that the first rose was brought here from Damascus by Thibaud de Champagne.

It is well worth making a day trip to Provins from Paris.

Provins: tourisme, carte, guide de voyage et gites