Provins, former capital of the Counts of Champagne and medieval fair town and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has remained intact since the Middle Ages. Its exceptional built heritage comprises incredibly well-preserved medieval ramparts and the Ville Haute (Upper Town), the historic centre of Provins. Visitors can take a stroll around the magnificent fortified surrounding walls, admiring the many gateways and towers on the way, before going through Saint-Jean doorway into the charming medieval old town itself. There you'll find the pretty Place du Châtel bordered by lovely old houses, and a host of beautiful monuments such as Caesar's Tower, Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church, the Tithe Barn, Romanesque House, Holy Spirit Cellar and the Old Hospital.
Caesar's Tower is an imposing 12th-century octagonal keep with a square base and is open to the public: climb up to top for a superb view over the rooftops and surrounding countryside.
Romanesque House (Maison Romane) is one of the oldest buildings in Provins and contains the Musée de Provins et du Provinois which retraces the history of Provins and the surrounding region from prehistory to the 19th century through collections of ceramics, sculptures and religious objects.
The town's Les Médiévales festival takes locals and visitors on a journey back in time to the Middle Ages every June. During this weekend event, historical re-enactments, medieval shows and a variety of other entertainment recreate the atmosphere of the Champagne fairs of old. Absolutely not to be missed!
