How To Get To Provins From Paris

If a boondocks is declared a UNESCO earth heritage site, you know information technology'due south probably worth a visit. And conveniently Provins, France was added to that list in 2001.

With roots reaching as far as the Gallo-Roman period, the town was congenital up in the 11th century around the castle and its fortifications. Provins was one of 4 host towns for many "Champagne Fairs" that took identify in the region in the 12th and 13th centuries. These trade fairs were vital at the time for the French economy, and indeed the economy of Europe.

A Much Envied Commercial Town

Provins used to exist a quite prosperous commercial town and the green-eyed of their neighbors and famed for its trouvères (Northern France troubadours). Safe backside its fortified walls, it shone brightly during the 12th and 13th centuries, when popular Champagne Fairs were celebrated.

Provins even had its own coins chosen denier provinois (Provins' penny) and it was acknowledge all over Europe in medieval times.

The Counts of Champagne, who reigned around the year grand were aware of how fundamental long-altitude trade was for the economy of the region and used Champagne'south geographic location strategically to their advantage.

At that time, Provins was a major crossroads which made information technology an ideal location for trade fairs. The town was transformed into a melting pot of trade and intellect.

The Trade Fairs

The fairs were not merely an occasion for business but too a time for commemoration, with music and juggling shows.

People from all over Europe flocked to Provins to be role of the trading not only in appurtenances, but also in ideas.

The town was awarded UNESCO heritage condition for "maintaining its original medieval cloth", preserving the architecture and urban layout which brought the town to fame, including the twelfth century fortifications that still surround much of the upper boondocks.

What to See

Today, in just over an hour from Paris, visitors tin admire the remaining 2km of the medieval fortifications and climb Caesar'southward Tower which is a high betoken - literally and figuratively - of a trip to the town.

The structure dominates the old town and has been employed equally a watch tower, bell tower and even a prison house since its cosmos in the twelfth century. The belfry commands impressive views of the surrounding town and countryside and allows yous to fully appreciate the medieval architecture.

Information technology's worth visiting the Tithe Barn as well as information technology is now a museum dedicated to the Champagne fairs and offers an insight into what life was like in Medieval Provins.

There is a 12th century firm in the town that hosts the Provins Museum. It is worth a visit every bit it will provide a historical feel of the town and the region, even from before the fairs enhanced Provins' situation in Europe.

Provins is also notorious for a web of underground tunnels and chambers. These spaces were used by hush-hush societies when they wanted to hide their coming together from unwelcome eyes and ears. There are guided tours that tin can give yous an alternative view of Medieval Provins and the lives of its inhabitants back in those days.

If buffing up on history is your thing, then make certain you visit Provins during the milder months as almost every day from Apr to November there are Medieval themed shows to savor.

The spectacular performances range from equestrian falconry to "The Legend of the Knights" - an awe-inspiring display of horsemanship and jousting told in the context of the true history of Provins.

Set in the shadow of the centuries old ramparts, every detail is attended right down to the catamenia armour and costume which make the shows educational besides as entertaining.

Practicalities

To experience this wonderful step back in time just take the SNCF regional train from Gare de l'Est to Provins. It takes just over an hour and the price is very affordable.

You tin can also travel to Provins past car from Paris by car, take the highway in the direction of Metz/Strasbourg, to junction 13 and follow the signs that indicate the fashion to Provins. The journey should take about an hr and a half.

Source: https://www.whatparis.com/trips-provins.html

Share this post