Are you in Paris and considering a day trip to Provins? We’ve got your back. Art, culture, and history abound in Paris, the City of Light. But occasionally, even the most ardent city inhabitants need a vacation from the commotion of city life.
A day trip to Provins can help with that. With its cobblestone alleys, gorgeous architecture, and rich history, this medieval jewel, located just 80 kilometers southeast of Paris, transports visitors back in time.
We’ll take a day trip from Paris to Provins, which has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things you'll find in this article
Provins Day Trip From Paris
History of Provins
Provins, a fortified medieval town, is located in the historical domain of the strong Counts of Champagne. It attests to early innovations in international trade fair organizing and the wool industry.
Provins’ urban framework, which was constructed expressly for fairs and related events, has been beautifully preserved.
The historic walled city of Provins, situated in Ile-de-France’s Seine-et-Marne department, represents an outstanding and genuine example of a medieval fair town, along with the rise of transactions fairs in the 11th century, the start of significant trade between nations in Europe.
Although considerable devastation occurred in Provins throughout the Hundred Years War in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, and also during the French Revolution, it was modest.
The medieval town’s urban design, as well as many ancient structures, canals, and the water management system, have been successfully conserved.
Best Time to Visit Provins
Provins’ best months for beautiful weather are from May through October. On a typical basis, July and August are the warmest months.
January and February are the coldest months, while May, June, July, and December are the wettest. Provins is always a fantastic time to visit because of the abundance of events and festivals that take place throughout the year.
There’s always plenty to see and do, assuming it’s the Christmas Market, basking up the sun along the walls in the summer, or admiring the fall colors in the autumn.
How to Get There
The SNCF Transilien Line P via Gare de l’Est is the quickest method to get to Provins from Paris. Trains depart every hour, and the travel takes around one hour and thirty minutes.
Locals may use their Navigo cards, but if you’re visiting from outside the city and don’t have a five-zone Paris Visite Card, the train is going to cost you roughly $12.89. The drive takes about the same amount of time and follows a reasonably straight path along the N4.
By Car
Estimated Fuel Cost: $24.73
Duration: 1 hour and 6 minutes
If you’re looking for convenience, head to Provins! The benefit of traveling by automobile is that you may explore neighboring areas and visit as quickly or leisurely as you like without feeling rushed to catch a train.
The road distance connecting these two locations is roughly 91.4km, and the N4 route should take around 1 hour and 6 minutes. The medieval town includes a parking lot where you may pay USD3 for the full day, but you can also park for free on the ramparts along the streets.
By Bus
Cost: $15
Duration: 2 hours and 17 minutes
Buses utilize little energy. It just takes 0.6-0.9 gallons of gas to transport a person over 100 kilometers by bus. When compared to the 2.6 liters required by a high-speed train, it’s evident that taking the bus from Paris to Provins is a more ecologically friendly alternative.
By Train
Cost: $10.60
Duration: 1 hour and 23 minutes
The other, and cheapest, option is to take the train. A direct train from Gare de l’Est to Provins on line P takes around 1 hour and 23 minutes.
You won’t be concerned about missing the train because it leaves every hour. When you get to the terminal, you have the option of walking for around 10 minutes to Provins or taking a shuttle for a little fee.
7 Best Things to Do in Provins
Provins has a wealth of activities and sites to enjoy, whether you’re a history buff, a cultural buff, or simply looking for a day excursion from the bustling metropolis. Here are some of the greatest things to do in Provins to make the most of your visit to this attractive medieval town.
1. Explore the Caesar Tower
The Caesar Tower is one of Provins’ most recognizable landmarks. This 12-meter-high tower represents the city’s medieval past and is a must-see for anybody interested in the city’s history.
During the Middle Ages, the Caesar Tower served as a watchtower and defensive tower. It was erected in the 12th century. The tower is now a museum with an exhibition on the past of the town and a terrace at the top with excellent views of the city and its surroundings.
The Caesar Tower is one of Provins’ most recognizable landmarks. This 12-meter-high tower represents the city’s medieval era and is a must-see for anybody interested in the city’s history.
During the Middle Ages, the Caesar Tower served as a watchtower and defensive tower. It was erected in the 12th century. The tower is now a museum with an exhibition on the past of the town and a terrace at the top with excellent views of the city and its surroundings.
2. Saint-Ayoul Priory
At its heart, it is over a thousand years old, with portions of the priory ruined, rebuilt, and refurbished over the ages. The main courtyard, the chapel, the many murals, and the stained glass windows are all highlights.
There are also two surprising cultural exhibitions here. The first is about Pingyao, while the second is about Thang Long. The priory provides a free English audio tour to assist you in navigating your visit.
3. Visit the Underground Galleries
The Underground Galleries are a network of metro tunnels beneath Provins, France. These tunnels were constructed in the Middle Ages and served a variety of functions, including storing food and wine and shielding the city’s people during military battles.
Subway galleries have been a famous tourist attraction throughout the years, with tourists able to explore the tunnels while discovering more about the city’s history and residents.
The Provins Underground Galleries are a testimony to medieval engineering and design that is a must-see for anybody interested in French history and culture.
To see this Provins gallery, you must pay for entrance and make a reservation. The access is included with the Provins Pass. We recommend booking the gallery visit when you purchase the pass.
4. Go to the Museum
The Museum of the City of Provins is situated in the medieval city’s heart. The museum houses a large collection of artifacts that depict the city’s and its residents’ history and culture.
The museum houses a diverse collection of relics dating from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, including historical weaponry, working equipment, clothing, jewelry, religious artifacts, and ordinary life artifacts.
The museum also features a part dedicated to the history of Provins’ medieval celebration, which is hosted in the town every year.
5. Discover Place du Chatel
The Place du Chatel is a plaza in the heart of Provins, a historic town. The square is recognized for its beautiful medieval architecture, with timber and stone structures going back to the 13th century.
The Diana fountain, located in the heart of the plaza, was erected in the 16th century as well as is one of the city’s oldest fountains. The Place du Chatel is a famous tourist destination in Provins because it provides a spectacular perspective of the city and its surroundings.
6. The Walled City
The majestic fortifications that encircle the old city center distinguish Provins as a medieval town. A walk inside the walled city is one of the greatest ways to spend a day exploring the city.
Begin your tour at the Porte Saint-Jean, one of the city’s principal gateways. From here, take Rue Saint-Jean to Place du Châtel, where you’ll discover the Tour César, a 12th-century watchtower with panoramic city views.
Continue your journey down Rue de Jouy along with Rue de la Pie, two of the city’s oldest streets, and see the medieval half-timbered buildings. Don’t miss the Grange aux Dimes, an old 13th-century tax house that today houses an art and popular culture museum.
7. Tithe Barn
Back in the 13th century, the Tithe Barn was where the magic happened. This vaulted structure was previously a covered market for the well-known trade fairs.
On two levels, historical exhibits depict life-size replicas of the traders and their merchandise. There are English audio guides available to assist you in comprehending what you’re watching.
Best Group Day Tours to Join in Provins
Consider joining one of the top group day excursions in Provins for a unique experience. These trips will take you through cobblestone alleyways, historic walls, and enthralling tales of knights and troubadours.
Provins – Medieval City Tour – Private Trip
Meeting Place: Any place in Paris and the Disney Area
Price: $534.23 per group (up to 4)
For the day, escape the tourist throngs of Paris with a private sightseeing excursion to the Medieval City of Provins.
You’ll like having the choice to go to locations, restaurants, and businesses that interest you while avoiding those that don’t. Wherever you want to go, your driver will transport you in a private vehicle.
Provins Medieval City
Meeting Place: Be present at the reception of your hotel
Price: $874.00 per group (up to 4)
The trip is a step back in time that reveals one of France’s best-preserved medieval villages near Paris. Provins, a Unesco World Heritage Site, shocks and fascinates with its fortifications and the most genuine architecture of the XII century.
When the hamlet was one of Europe’s most significant trade centers, manufacturing even its money. The entire city has the scars of its tremendous commercial activity and the development of significant craftsmen during the period.
Its towering walls, erected in the thirteenth century, bore evidence of this wealth, and a large number of visitors visit today.
Practical Tips for the Provins Day Trip
A day trip to Provins is a voyage back in time, with its well-preserved medieval landmarks, attractive architecture, and rich cultural history. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve produced a list of helpful hints that will make your Provins day trip unforgettable.
Visit During the Festival
What could be more exciting than seeing medieval reenactments in a real medieval city? Knights and jousting will be available beginning in late March. You may even visit Provins’ rendition of a medieval supper theater.
Provins is an amazing city. Don’t pass up this opportunity! There are plenty of excellent off-the-beaten-path day adventures from Paris.
Learn a Few French Phrases
While English is widely spoken in Provins, it is always a good idea to learn a few basic French words. The effort is appreciated by the locals, and it might improve your entire experience when interacting with the community.
Final Thoughts Provins Day Trip from Paris
A day trip to Provins from Paris is a magical tour that provides a lovely break from the hectic metropolis to a medieval fantasy.
Provins offers something for everyone, whether you’re charmed by the sight of soaring stone walls, enthralled by legends of knights and troubadours, or simply hungry to sample wonderful local food.
If you’re considering a trip to France, consider including Provins on your itinerary. It’s a location where history comes alive and echoes of the past can still be heard in the small cobblestone lanes.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.