Provins town
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Provins - by Christel Sagniez from Pixabay
Description
Provins is the old capital of the Champagne County and already held a strategic defensive position under the Roman occupation until the 5th century. By the 9th century it was France's third largest city after Paris and Rouen, its rise being based on the wool industry and its status as a trading / market town. However, its fortune started to turn between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it underwent a steady decline. The commune is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Highlights include: - the defensive walls (1200m with 22 towers) - The Cesar Tower (octogonal with a square base) and the Collegial Church of Saint Quiriace - The underground paths - Various old buildings such as the Maison romane, the Grange aux Dimes (used as a warehouse) and the old baths
Access & Transport
The town is located in the Seine et Marne department, about 75km southeast of Paris. By public transport from Paris, take the P Line in Gare de l'Est until Longueville and transfer to another train until Provins (3 stops). The journey takes 1h30mins. By car from Paris, take the A4 and then the N104 exit toward A5/Troyes/Nancy before getting on the N4 using exit 17b. When you reach Vaudoy-en-Brie get on the D231 until you reach.
Instructions & Recommendations
The visit of the town can take anywhere between 3h and a full day but if you are planning on allocating only half a day and are based in Paris you may want to combine this with an activity / sight in the Fontainebleau area such as the Chateau de Vaux le Vicomte.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral (no carbon footprint). Positive from a social perspective as tourism helps preserve the town's and region's cultural heritages and provides economic activity to the community.
Conclusion
Provins is one of those towns that is likely to surprise visitors on the upside if one is not looking for stand-out monuments but instead is interested in learning more about the history behind them and appreciate the multiplicity of buildings of interest. We recommend attending guided tours whenever possible to make the most of your trip but beware they may not be available in English every single day.
Key positive
Very long and old history with several interesting sights
An easy day trip from Paris, even by public transport
Key negative
No other major tourist attraction in the immediate surrounding area
Suitability
Most of the sights are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility - the main exception being the underground galleries
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:3h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo