Cité médiévale de Provins

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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

Visite Donjon Provins — The town has 58 listed historic monuments, a genuine conservatory of military, civil and religious architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strolling around its squares and through its streets is the best way to discover Provins, but here are a few ‘absolute musts’ to visit too ! The Tour César (Caesar’s Tower) is the emblematic building of the medieval town of Provins and a focus of its history ! This 12th century keep is impressive in both height and shape ! Before reaching the splendid 17th century roof structure, you go through the guard room, the Governor’s Chamber – a luxurious room with a fireplace and individual latrines - the ‘Pâté aux Anglais’ and finally the covered rampart walk. Once you have climbed all the steps to the top, you can enjoy the wonderful view of all of Provins and the surrounding countryside !

La Grange aux Dîmes de Provins (Tithe Barn) houses different scenes and characters depicting merchants and tradesmen from the Middle Ages. A fun, comprehensive audio guide visit tells you all about the Foires de Champagne, the huge fairs which were held in Provins. Another absolute must is the rampart walk around the town. We recommend you go around the outside by turning left, go along the Allée des Remparts and Allée des Lépreux and admire the lovely view from the Tour aux Engins (the big tower on the corner).

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"