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Latest Provins hotel reviews
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I don't know much and couldn't find much about Saint Ayoul, but his church here is where the rise of Provins to a power in the 11th Century started. His remains were either found here or brought here and that marked the beginning as it led to the building of a Benedictine priory here. It became a rather extensive complex but the church here is all that remains now. The main door is an amazing array of statues all around the arch and dates from the 12th Century but crowned by a very modern sculpture by Georges Jeanclos. Inside the church the atmosphere is quiet and mysterious but with some wonderful statuary including a moving and striking pieta which I could not identify, just admire. You get no hint of the troubled past of the church including a time when it was used to store fodder.
Written Feb 12, 2008
Address: Cours des Benedictins
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This tower used to be a be a watchtower, a prison, a bell-tower and a place of military retreat. The keep offers a panoramic view over the town and it's surroundings.
The bells are still hanging in the tower and make lots of noise now and then.
Warning: lots of stairs and very, very narrow passages to the upper floor. Not adviced for overweight persons!
The tower is interesting but not exceptional. I thought the price of 3,40 euros for a self guided visit was way too high.
Updated Jul 14, 2007
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This former covered market place is nowadays a museum. It shows a permanent exhibition of scenes and characters, showing hand crafts and merchant activities of the Middle Ages.
Audio guided visit with earphone.
It's a quite static affair, but what a beautiful building!!! Ans what a remarkable cellar!
No one could guess what is hidden behind this barn's front.
Rating: interesting for adults, boring for kids.
Written Jul 14, 2007
Address: rue St-Jean
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This impressive fortified wall was built during the 13th century. 2 km of military architecture!
Once, these walls protected the inhabitants and the traders and showed off the power of the Earls of Champagne.
Written Jul 14, 2007
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The Visitors Center is professional, American style. All brochures, offers and guided visits are in several languages.
To have an idea of all the must sees in town: ask to switch on the introducing video show in the movie theatre before starting your visit.
When leaving this place through the back door... it's like stepping out of a time machine. The ramparts are a few steps away.
Also available in the visitors center's shop: souvenirs such as tiles, umbrellas, place mats, sweets an typical specialities of the region.
Written Jul 14, 2007
Address: Acces East of the Medieval town: large parking lot
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The harvest festival takes place in late August (see website for info on actual date). As for the medieval festival, it is set in the upper town of Provins, the one that has the most medieval buildings.
This event is reminiscent of the fairs that took place in Provins in the past and has displays of farm animals, old tractors and other machinery.
The festival lasts two days.
Written Apr 29, 2007
Website: http://www.provins.org/fete_moisson/moisson.htm
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The medieval festival takes place in June. It has its own website at:
During a whole weekend, the upper town is closed t cars. People disguised as monks, knights, beggars and merchants roam the streets, which are also filled with tourist. If you bring your onwn costume, the entrance is free for you. You can complete it by purchasing additional gear in the extensive markets in the moat and inside the town. Every medieval item is available from hand sculpted wooden objects to swords and polearms.
A parade takes place every day of the festival in the main street.
Written Apr 29, 2007
Website: http://www.provins-medieval.com/
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There was a quiet day ,in the middle of the week when I visited Provins ,so I had the hole tower just for me.Take a walk on "Pate aux anglais"( the outer wall), visit the guard room and listen the footsteps of ancient soldiers making their round,on” chemin de ronde”.And...finally climb at the last floor to admire the XVIIth century timberwork and the "Quiriace", the huge bell dating from 1511.There is a inscription on the bell:
"En l`an 1511 ayant ete fondue
De Quiriace on me donna le nom
Je regne dans les airs et chasse de la nue
Diable,tonnerre et grele par mon nom".
The view over the city is great: at the east, the lower town, at the west: the upper town
Written Jan 30, 2005
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It is the symbol of Provins, and a quide for the new-comer, because its shape rises over the little houses. The tower was built between 1152-1181 by Henri le Liberal and was intended as a place of refuge and a watchtower. It was the symbol of count's authority but its military role was weak. In the XIIIth century under English occupation it served as a prison.
Written Jan 30, 2005
Address: Look above the roofs and you will see it
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A characteristic of houses in Provins are the lower rooms (les salles basse) with arcades and columns used as covered market during The Fairs of Champagne. La Grange is like a time machine. Visiting it you will be surrounded by the spirit of ancient times ;The large room with crossed-ribbed vaulting resting on capitals adorned with foliage it`s full of life : merchants selling their goods ,artisans working the wool ,the stone or leather, an ancient banker,a lady dressed a l`italienne.You can enjoy all this due to a very good audioquide
Written Sep 5, 2004
Address: Rue Sain-Jean
Website: www.provins.net
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1 Review and 68 Opinions Very Basic but Friendly staff. It's a good 15 minutes walk though from the medieval town centre.
6 Opinions
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Reviews and photos of Provins attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Provins sightseeing.
A characteristic of houses in Provins are the lower rooms (les salles basse) with arcades and columns used as covered market during The Fairs of Champagne. La...
1 member lives in Provins
Q: I'm planning to make a day trip from Paris to Provins with my husband and little boy (below 2 years) via train in June. From...
A: Why not consult googlemaps? According to the map the walkding distance between the train station and the tourist office is slightly more than 2 kilometres. But you do not...
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Provins was a major European trade center in the 12th and 13th centuries. At the “Champagne fairs, “ merchants from across the continent would offer a variety of goods. Today, Provins retains much of...
2
In the Middle Ages, Provins was located on the crossroad of the European trade roads. The town became famous during the 12th and the 13th century , thanks to the famous fairs of Champagne. Today,......
3
A couple of years ago I picked up Annabel Simms' book, An Hour From Paris. It suggests about 20 destinations within an hour of Paris so we decided to give Provins a try and found it wonderful....
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Located 80 km southeast of Paris, I came to this town by chance. This was not where I intended to go at first, but my trip to Provins had proved to be one of my most memorable. Provins became part of...
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A romantic medieval village near Paris
The town's influence was at its highest point during the 12th and 13th centuries, the time of the celebrated Champagne Fairs. Famed for its troubadours, safe behind its fortified walls, Provins was a...
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