My Paris Journey: Endearing Time Through Provins

There's something about Provins that captivated me.

Provins is far from Paris. The train ride took almost an hour and a half from Paris Gare de l'Est. Going there, i looked out and enjoyed the countryside. Coming back, i slept.

Nicely decorated train station. It is one of the bigger stations, with many trains leaving to many places.

From the train ride.

Quick bite on Provins: it is a medieval town, with history claiming it to be home to one of the Champagne fairs, under the Count of Champagne. The fair was an annual trading fair cycle held in towns during the Middle Ages in the regions of France. Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.

Entering the medieval town.

The Caesar's Tower and the bell. There was a legend which dates the origin of the town to the Roman era, thus the tower built by Julius Caesar. The tower had been used for various purposes: a prison, a shelter from attacks, and military administration. 

We went into the Tithe Barn for more history of this town. An audio guide did the work, as we moved from one station number to another, listening and looking at the life of the past through the statues.

We also entered the Underground Gallery but disappointingly, the tour was only conducted in French. The guide did provide some English commentary but it wasn't enough to enjoy the history. I had to do my research later.

Provins is a site for rose cultivation and seemingly, there are many rose products which enchanted me. Rose soap. Rose panna cotta. Rose macaroons. Rose ice stick. Rose wine. And a show for the rose.

The show was in French but i was no less excited or entertained (and even understood the story) as i watched the horses galloped and the swords clashed. The fight was thrilling; some parts even comical. Well done!

Just before leaving the medieval town, we walked around the well-preserved wall.

As i said, i slept on the ride back to Paris. A day well spent outside Paris.

My Paris Journey: Painting a Dream
My Paris Journey; Me and My Three Macaroons
My Paris Journey: The Chateau Battle
My Paris Journey: Bones and Skulls
My Paris Journey: Endearing Time in Provins