Did you think medieval charm was reserved for pretty villages nestled in the heart of France? Not so! Just 70 km from Paris lies Provins, a charming medieval town whose half-timbered houses are matched only by its period buildings. Discover 13 must-do activities in Provins, Seine-et-Marne, combining heritage, culture and authentic charm.
1. Discover the old town with its timber-framed houses
When you begin your visit to Provins by discovering the heart of the town, you immerse yourself in its authentic atmosphere. Far from the hustle and bustle and modernity of Paris, visitors are immersed in the charm of one of France's most beautiful medieval towns. Colorful half-timbered houses bear witness to the town's past, and its charm and mystery have been preserved over the years. Take time to listen to what the cobblestones tell you about the town's history... Stop to admire the fountains, ramparts and old houses that seem to whisper stories of a bygone era... Once you've discovered the town as a whole, you're ready to discover its greatest treasures.
2. The Tour César, a vestige of Provins' past
The majestic lines of the Tour César reflect the power of the town and the Counts of Champagne during the Middle Ages. This XIIᵉ century keep, nicknamed the Grosse Tour, had several uses over the centuries: watchtower, refuge and prison. The narrow turrets and dungeons bear witness to the austere conditions of the prisoners of yesteryear. Today, the tower houses the bells of the collegiate church of Saint-Quiriace.
As you make your way upstairs, you'll discover step-by-step architectural treasures such as the guards' room, the luxurious Governor's Chamber, and the parapet walk, offering breathtaking views of Provins and its surrounding countryside.
3. The ramparts of Provins, the charm of yesteryear discovered
Immerse yourself in history once again, this time through the ramparts of Provins. This medieval gem, built between the 11th and 13th centuries, takes you back to the Middle Ages. These walls, 25 meters high, once stretched for 5 km. Today, 1.2 km of walls remain around the upper town, revealing an imaginary route through the Allées d'Aligre.
It's time to discover the two remaining fortified gates, the Saint-Jean and Jouy gates, which you reach by following the Remparts and Lepers alleys. From here, take time to admire the unique perspective offered by the Tour aux Engins. You can then descend into the moat via the staircases, before climbing up onto the ramparts to admire the view. A must-see visit to Provins!
4. The Provins underground, a hidden city
More than underground, you're entering a second city beneath the city. If you were looking for an unusual place to visit in Provins, you've found it! Dive into the mysteries of Provins' underground passageways, a veritable labyrinth of stories still shrouded in unanswered questions. Although the mystery persists, fascinating hypotheses have emerged through historical cross-referencing. Initially used as quarries to extract the precious "terre à foulon", these tunnels evolved into refuges, warehouses during the Champagne Fairs, and even venues for cultural gatherings. The Freemasons themselves may even have passed through here, if some of the walls are to be believed!
Get ready for a guided tour of this unique adventure, ready to unveil its secrets buried for centuries.
5. The Roseraie de Provins, an air of romance
The Roseraie de Provins is more than just a park, it's a place where romance reigns. With over 300 varieties of roses, it invites visitors to contemplate. This mosaic of colors beckons lovers to romantic confidences... Let yourself be carried away by this enchanting place, whose undisputed star is the famous Provins rose. The charm of this Remarkable Garden leaves no one indifferent, offering a pleasant interlude in a green oasis.
6. Place du Châtel, the heart of the town
At the heart of Provins' upper town, Place du Ch âtel is the town's medieval nerve center, presided over by the majestic "Croix des Changements" and an ancient well. It was the scene of important monetary transactions and official announcements during the Middle Ages. The square is still home to architectural treasures such as :
- the Maison des 4 Flèches,
- the Maison des Petits Plaids,
- the remains of the Church of Saint-Thibault.
The few restaurants and bars in the old citadel, such as Le Petit Écu, come alive in this square, offering an authentic medieval atmosphere.
7. Religious buildings, a must-see in Provins
Every town tells us a little piece of its history through its religious buildings, and there are plenty of them in Provins. These include
- the collegiate church of Saint-Quiriace, with its eventful past, but still firmly rooted in the landscape,
- l'église Saint-Ayoul, a priory that has been successfully restored,
- l'église Sainte-Croix, mostly visible from the outside and only occasionally open to visitors, due to a necessary restoration project.
Each in its own way, these buildings tell you a little bit about the history of the town and the region.
8. La Grange aux Dîmes, Provins in the Middle Ages
Back to the XIIᵉ and XIIIᵉ centuries at the Grange aux Dîmes, the city's lung of activity during the Middle Ages. It was here that the various merchants, some of them from Toulouse, gathered to sell their wares:
- potters
- cloth merchants,
- stonecutters,
- parchment-makers, etc.
The vaulted hall immediately immerses you in the atmosphere of a bygone era, when business was booming in the region. An audioguide guides you through this exceptional setting, telling you stories from another century... Open all year round, these market halls are a must-see when visiting Provins!
9. Les Aigles des Remparts, a memorable show
Come to the Théâtre des Remparts in Provins for an unusual show. The art of falconry on horseback is mastered to perfection, resulting in a performance of the utmost beauty. Eagles, buzzards and other falcons evolve in the greatest complicity with their master falconers. More than just a show, the birds of prey of Les Aigles des Remparts perform a veritable aerial ballet for around two hours. This performance from another era takes you on a journey through time, while you admire the agility of the birds of prey.
10. Jardin Garnier, the city's green lung
A bucolic break at the Jardin Garnier, owned by the man of the same name during the XIXᵉ century. This is where he bought his property after making his fortune in Paris, when he wanted to retire from business. Having no heirs, Victor Garnier bequeathed his villa and gardens to the town of Provins. The house, long used as a library, still houses the town's archives. The garden, meanwhile, has retained its noble character, offering an enchanting stroll through the town center. Royal ginkgo, purple beech and hazelnut trees, to name but a few, invade the senses, taking visitors on a sensory journey. If the medieval city is one of the top 10 destinations for getting closer to nature near Paris, it's partly thanks to this little haven of peace.
11. The Musée de Provins et du Provinois, a local treasure unearthed
Numerous archaeological digs have taken place in the Provins area, revealing remains ranging from Prehistory to the XIXᵉ century. At the Musée de Provins et du Provinois, you don't enter an overrated museum, you step into the past, amid objects from another time.
Classified as a "Musée de France", it is housed in the venerable "Maison Romane". Even before you step through its doors, take time to marvel at the XIIᵉ century façade and the splendid "diamond" window. Inside, artifacts tell you all about the fascinating history of the region. In particular, the museum houses jewels from the treasure trove of Saint-Quiriace. Add to this sculptures, paintings and rare objects, and you've got yourself a captivating plunge into the past!
12. La Légende des Chevaliers, a show to see in Provins
Immerse yourself in a medieval epic with the show La Légende des Chevaliers, held every year in Provins! Return to the age of knights at the foot of the ramparts, where Count Thibaud IV of Champagne, accompanied by Blanche de Castille, celebrates his return from the Crusades. Thibaud and his valiant knights must make one last effort: repel the forces of evil and protect Provins. The program of festivities is vast, delighting children and parents alike. Fighting, jousting, juggling, stunts, equestrian performances, acrobatics- the whole family is in for a treat!
13. Discover local culinary delights
While there's no such thing as a truly local dish, there are a few delights to be had in Seine-et-Marne. Brie de Meaux is one of them! Here, you can taste good, real Brie "as we like it here". If you don't always know it, Meaux has another specialty: mustard! Less well known than Dijon mustard, this high-quality, old-fashioned mustard is no less delicious.
If you approach a good local restaurant, you'll also be able to sample dishes based ongrand-cru lamb, a local staple. Accompanied by Belle de Fontenay potatoes, it's a delight! Finally, try the niflette , a tartlet filled with crème pâtissière and orange blossom.
Where to stay in Provins?
Staying in the heart of the medieval town means spending a few nights in the footsteps of our ancestors. It's pleasant to put down your suitcases in a beautiful local hotel. Some have retained an irresistible medieval charm.
- The most typical
Nestled in the heart of the town, the Hôtel Aux Vieux Remparts has managed to recreate a half-modern, half-ancient atmosphere, with its medieval tapestries a perfect example. From its terrace to its comfortable rooms, not forgetting the spa and pool area, everything is designed to make your stay a dream come true: go here to book.
- The quietest
Ideally located, the César Hôtel offers privileged access to the medieval city. This 4-star establishment offers top-of-the-range services that you can book in just a few clicks here. Refinement is everywhere, accentuated by comfortable bedding. A little bonus: some rooms have a pleasant private terrace.
- The most unusual
Looking for an unusual place to put down your bags in Provins? Then the Maison d'hôtes Stella Cadente is the place for you, with itsfantastic rooms designed by the designer herself. Immerse yourself in the world of the Snow Queen, Puss in Boots, the Moulin Rouge, Peau d'Âne and Alice, and enjoy a dream stay in this mini-castle. Click here for hotel rates and availability.
What to see in Provins in a day
Provins is the perfect destination, less than 2 hours from Paris, for a pleasant weekend, with one of the two days devoted to this medieval city. Start with a tour of the Provins ramparts, before heading to the Tour César. Your day will also include a visit to Provins' underground passages and the Grange aux Dîmes. Still have a little time left? Don't hesitate to visit Provins' superb rose garden!
What's free to visit in Provins?
You have to pay to visit the Provins ramparts, but admiring them from the outside won't cost you a penny! You can also visit the various religious buildings free of charge, as you stroll through the narrow streets of the old town and the Place du Châtel. The Jardin Garnier is also free to visit, to the delight of locals and visitors alike.
Good to know: every year, Provins hosts the Fête de la Niflette, which is free of charge.
Did you enjoy your stay in Provins? We know just how you feel! We don't always think about it, but there are plenty of charming destinations around Paris where you can get away from it all for a weekend. In a completely different style, don't hesitate to visit Fontainebleau on another mini-break. It's well worth a visit!
