PlainGeets

Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval city nestled in the Île-de-France region of France, has been on my bucket list since 2016, when I looked up interesting day trips from Paris. We ended up doing other things, but I’ve always wanted to go….work, weather and the errant RATP and its incessant “pertubations dûes aux travaux” meant that it kept getting pushed to the back of the to-visit list eve though I’ve now lived in Île-de-France for more than a year. We did make it up to the city a few months ago, but not only was it raining, it was just a day after my last Humpty Dumpty incident, so we ended up turning back without exploring the city fully.

We finally made it back at the end of the year, and much to our delight, the city was still decked up for the holidays and festive songs were playing everywhere in the city. We spent a few hours meandering up and down the streets, staring up at the fortified structure, walking along the ramparts, and soaking in the medieval grandeur that defines Provins.

🚂 If you’re planning a day trip to Provins, the RER trains provide a convenient and scenic journey from Paris to this medieval gem. Take the RER P from Paris Gare de l’Est, and within an hour and a half, you’ll find yourself stepping into the historical ambiance of Provins. The city falls in the zones of the Île-de-France, so if you have a Pass Navigo for all zones, you won’t need a separate ticket for this trip.

🚌 🚗 You can also take a bus, or if you prefer the comfort of your own car, drive down through the countryside

Once you’re in the city, you have to:

✨ Head to the heart of Provins, where the enchanting atmosphere unfolds along its medieval streets. Place du Châtel, surrounded by timber-framed houses, is a great starting point. Wander through the cobbled streets, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich history that Provins exudes.

With a history dating back to the 9th century, Provins flourished during the Middle Ages as a prominent trade hub. Some fun historical facts about Provins:

• In the 9th century, the city minted its own coin “denier provinois.”
• While it was under the protection of the Counts of Champagne, the city hosted the Champagne fair, an agricultural and trade fair, that led to its prosperity in the medieval era.
• Jeanne d’Arc spent a few days in the city while returning from the Coronation of Charles VII in 1429.

✨ Marvel at the Saint Quiriace Collegiate, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, and admire the stained glass windows and its serene ambiance. This religious landmark has stood since the 12th century, and played a significant role in Provins’ medieval tapestry.

✨ Explore the UNESCO-listed Provins Ramparts, marveling at the well-preserved medieval fortifications that once safeguarded the city. If you have the time (and aren’t afraid of heights), climb the Tour César for panoramic views of Provins and its surroundings.

We wrapped up our visit here, but intend to go back in warmer weather to:

✨ Visit the Provins Underground, a fascinating network of tunnels and cellars that once served as storage spaces for goods, and the Grange aux Dîmes, a historic barn, dating back to the 13th century, that hosts exhibitions and events that showcase the city’s cultural heritage

✨ Spend time in the Roseraie (rose garden) of Provins (reputed for its many varieties of roses brought back from the crusades by Theobald IV, Count of Champagne), and have a leisurely tea in its salon de thé.

It may have taken me 7 years to get there, but it was well worth the wait…Provins, where each step reveals the tales of a bygone era, is an ideal destination for an unforgettable day trip (or two)!