Cité médiévale de Provins
Provins – an authentic medieval town
Located in the historic lands of the Counts of Champagne, Provins found itself at the crossroads of European trade from the year 1000 onwards and gradually became a trading centre of the greatest importance.
In the 12th and 13th centuries, Provins reached its peak with the famous Foires de Champagne fairs. The urban layout was designed to accommodate the numerous merchants : streets wide enough for wagons to pass and stalls to be set up, 3-storey merchants’ houses with splendid vaulted rooms, etc.
The presence of rivers (Durteint and Voulzie) also encouraged economic activity and the development of trades such as drapers, parchment makers, butchers, etc.
The impressive ramparts, a superb medley of shapes, were built during the 13th century in order to protect the people and their wealth, but also to illustrate the power of the Counts. The wall was 5km long ! Eight centuries later, the urban ensemble of Provins remains the most complete example of medieval history from the 11th to 13th centuries.
Visite Donjon Provins
Provins and its 58 historic monuments
Provins Rose Garden
The ‘Roseraie de Provins’ (rose garden) is in a beautiful leafy setting overlooking the old town.
Follow the history of the rose through more than 300 varieties arranged by theme in a 3.5 hectare garden. Enjoy this emblematic flower in all its colours, fragrances and forms in an idyllic atmosphere.
The ‘Jardin de Simples’ is a herb garden showcasing various medieval plants with medicinal properties which are often forgotten like dill, comfrey and angelica. Learn all about modern roses that bloom until autumn and old roses : Damask roses, cabbage roses, hybrid tea roses and French roses. The most famous is “Rosa Gallica Officinalis”, known as the “Rose of Provins”, brought back to Provins by Thibaud IV of Champagne on his return from the Crusades. There are deckchairs dotted about here and there to enjoy a little pause in paradise ! And if you fancy walking barefoot on the cool grass… Before or after visiting the garden, have an ice cream on the terrace or something in the tea room while admiring the superb view of the medieval town.
In winter, sit in front of the fire in the tea room to get warm !
In the delightful village of Saint-Loup-de-Naud are two Gîtes au Jardin properties.These 2 Gites de France B&Bs both have magnificent, colourful gardens. Béatrice and Véronique the owners are always delighted to show guests around and share their passion for gardening !
Explore Seine-et-Marne with Gites de France Seine-et-Marne : Château de Blandy-Les-Tours, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Disneyland Paris, Forêt de Fontainebleau"
Our selection of accommodations
Guest house
Demeure des Vieux Bains
in PROVINS-VILLE-HAUTE - Seine-et-Marne
Citybreak
Blanche de Castille
in PROVINS - Seine-et-Marne
Guest house
Le Logis de la Voulzie
in PROVINS - Seine-et-Marne
Our new accommodations
Lodging
Les Sapins Verts
in MONS EN MONTOIS - Seine-et-Marne