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Writer's pictureMaximus Nostramabus

Provins

Updated: Apr 24, 2022

Mediaeval fortress in Game of Thrones style - Provins, Town of Medieval Fairs 873

Provins: Tour César
What and Why

Provins is a very interesting fortress that looks like a Game of Thrones set. In mediaeval times, Provins was the central town for trade fairs where merchants from around Europe would sell their wares. These fairs are known as the Champagne Fair (French: Foires de Champagne). These fairs were very important to both local and international economies and were described as the earliest manifestations of a linked European economy. Provins, with its provincial setting, hence played a very significant role in the history and development of the European Union. An annual fair is still held nowadays when everyone is dressed in mediaeval costumes to show the little town's historic value.

Toponymy

Provins is the old French word for province.

See
Provins guide map

Fortified gates, rempart and town

Fortified gate

The small mediaeval town inside is a pleasure to stroll around. There are plenty of shops available but surprisingly they are not that touristy-commercialised and genuinely shows a small European town.

Provins town

Somewhere in the town I was able to find a sign regarding the arrival of Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) to the fortress.

Jeanne d'Arc

Caesar Tower (Tour Cesar)

The main landmark inside the fortress with the picture above: The watchtower is octagonal in shape on top of a square base. The tower was a replacement built in the year 1150 CE, to replace a tower ruin that was already standing there in the early 11th century CE. It is anecdoted that the original tower was built during the Roman Empire (Latin: Imperium Romanum) era, and hence its name. However there were no evidence that Julius Caesar (Latin: Iulius Caesar) or any Roman Emperor had ever been to Provins.

The tower served as a watchtower, a residence and a prison.

Place and College of Saint-Quiriace (Collège de Saint-Quiriace)

College of Saint-Quiriace

The church was supposed to be built during the city's heydays. Ironically its construction coincided with beginning of its decline, and the church is now a reminder of the city's demise, rather than its glory days.

Place Saint-Quiriace

Underground tour (Souterrains de Provins)

Consisting of built and natural underground tunnels, quite a cryptic gallery with a bit of provincial history engraved in it.

Underground Provins (from internet)
Buy and Do

Rose (Rose)

Provins is an important rose cultivation ground. It produces all sorts of foods and products from roses, like soap, perfume and sweets. Its main specialties are rose jam.

Rose products in Provins market
Getting There and Around

Provins is another day-trip destination from Paris, with the train journey around 1.5 h. The fortified town is very small and easily walkable. Entry ticket into the area is EUR 12€.

UNESCO Inscription
UNESCO sign
The fortified medieval town of Provins is situated in the former territory of the powerful Counts of Champagne. It bears witness to early developments in the organization of international trading fairs and the wool industry. The urban structure of Provins, which was built specifically to host the fairs and related activities, has been well preserved.
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