Provins, an exciting medieval town near Paris

Romantic Provins

A two-day holiday in Paris and Provins might make the perfect romantic combination.

At nightfall in summer, a thousand candles light the streets, and musicians are on every corner.

It offers cosy bistros for dining à deux with your loved one and some great places to stay.

Maison d’hôtes Stella Cadente is a stylish guest house designed by a Paris fashionista, with just five guest rooms, each decorated around a fantasy theme.

Choose the decadent scarlet Moulin Rouge room, featuring feathers and theatrical costumes, or for pared-down chic, go for the crystal-encrusted Snow Queen’s chamber.

A potted history of Provins

Provins is one of the towns where medieval fairs were held in the reign of the Counts of Champagne from the 11th. To the 14th. Century.

Divided into an Upper Town and a Lower Town, the “Châtel” (Castel) and the “Val” (Valley), and protected by imposing ramparts, Provins built its prosperity through trade fairs.

Merchants from Europe and the Orient flocked to do business in its streets and squares. The town even minted its denier provinces’ coinage (Provins’ penny).

The height of its fame was during the reign of Thibaud IV of Champagne, who took part in several sieges and crusades.

Thibaut was both warrior and poet, and Provins inherited his dual influence as a centre for warfare and culture.

The twelfth-century Tour de César symbolises the power of the French aristocracy. This impressive and unique structure has served as a place of refuge, a watchtower, and a dungeon for those who displeased the Counts.

Climb to the top for a bird’s eye view of the town – although there’s a charge for entry, these days, once you’ve taken the tour, they let you out again.

Provins for families

Jousting, hand-to-hand combat between goodies and baddies, some quirky exhibitions and a labyrinth of ancient underground passages – Provins has plenty to please every generation.

The Provins tunnels will fascinate any family member apart from the claustrophobic.

Even finding this world below your feet is a bit of an adventure.

Saint-Quiriace church

Visit Saint-Quiriace church, and you can get a guided tour of the underground world nearby.

It’s chilly, even in the middle of summer, so don’t forget to take along an extra layer for warmth.

The tunnels are dimly lit, steep and shrouded in mystery.

Entertainment and fun at the medieval banquet

Book up for an evening at Le Banquet des Troubadours on Rue Saint Thibault.

A medieval banquet for everyone from children to grandparents.

You can hire costumes to dress up for a medieval look.

Jesters and jugglers provide entertainment, and the food is based on the authentic medieval fare.

It’s unsophisticated but tasty and enough to satisfy hearty appetites.

As with most events in Provins, a little French goes a long way towards making the most of the commentary.

Link: provins-banquet-medieval.com