Provins, the Medieval Town That Takes You Back in Time!

If you’re looking for a getaway that truly transports you, look no further: Provins is the place to be! Just about an hour from Paris, this medieval town is a real treasure with its ramparts, towering keeps, and charming cobbled streets. The moment you arrive, it feels like stepping right into a living medieval movie set.

What amazed me most is how well the town has preserved its ancient soul. Wander among half-timbered houses, climb the iconic Tour César for breathtaking views, explore the mysterious underground tunnels, visit the Grange aux Dîmes, and discover the Saint-Ayoul Priory — every corner holds a piece of history!

But Provins isn’t just an open-air museum: it comes alive year-round with incredible medieval shows — falconry, knights, jugglers — that bring the Middle Ages to life. It’s a hit with both kids and adults.

A tip: head to the Tourist Office right when you arrive to get the Provins Pass. It’s the best way to see everything easily and cheaper than buying separate tickets. Just keep in mind that the Tourist Office parking costs €4 per day, so factor that in.

If you have time, walk along the ramparts for stunning views and fresh air. I also loved the Roseraie — a beautiful rose garden, perfect for a peaceful break.

And if you’re lucky enough to be there during a medieval market or festival, don’t miss it! The town buzzes with artisans, performances, and a festive atmosphere.

In short, Provins is the perfect destination for a day or weekend full of history, discovery, and medieval vibes. Don’t forget your Pass, bring your camera, and get ready for a true journey back in time!

📍 Address:
Office de Tourisme de Provins
Place du Châtel, 77160 Provins, France

🌐 Website:
https://www.provins.net

📍 Practical tips

Parking: If you want to be close to everything, the Tourist Office parking is ideal — €4/day.
Accessibility: The town has slopes and cobblestones, so good shoes are a must.
Best time to visit: Late spring or early autumn — less crowded and the weather is just right.
With kids? They’ll love the birds of prey show and exploring the ramparts!

🎟️ Don’t forget your Provins Pass!

One of the best things to do as soon as you arrive is to head straight to the Tourist Office (yes, even before grabbing a coffee!). There, you can get the Provins Pass, which includes entry to the main attractions:

Tour César – climb to the top for panoramic views of the town and countryside
The Tithe Barn (Grange aux Dîmes) – a stunning medieval merchant hall turned museum
The Underground Galleries – mysterious tunnels full of history
Saint-Ayoul Priory – a peaceful religious site with beautiful remnants
The Provins Museum – to dive deeper into the town’s layered past

It’s absolutely worth it — not only is it more economical than buying each ticket separately, but it saves time and gives you a proper structure to your visit.

Top Tips for Visiting Provins with Your Family

Provins, a medieval city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fantastic destination for families! Here are the best tips to make the most of your visit:

1. Plan Your Visit (Especially with Kids)

Ideal Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are perfect to avoid summer crowds and heat. The Medieval Weekends (usually in June) are very lively but attract huge numbers of people. If you prefer tranquility, opt for a weekday outside of school holidays.
Comfortable Shoes: The streets are cobbled and sometimes steep, so bring good walking shoes for the whole family.
Provins Pass: For families, the « Pass Provins » is often a good deal as it combines entry to the César Tower, the Tithe Barn (Grange aux Dîmes), and the underground passages. Check the latest prices and opening hours on the Provins Tourist Office website.
Plan for Shows: If you’re coming for the medieval shows (see below), be sure to check the times and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

2. Must-See Attractions for Families

Provins offers plenty of activities that both kids and adults will love:

The Medieval City and its Ramparts:
- Walk on the Ramparts: A stroll along the ramparts offers magnificent views of the city and its surroundings. It’s fun for kids to imagine knights defending the city.
- César Tower: The symbol of the city, it offers an exceptional panoramic view. The visit is interesting for understanding its defensive architecture.
- Place du Châtel: This is the heart of the upper town, with half-timbered houses, restaurants, and shops. Ideal for a break.
Medieval Shows (Not to be Missed!):
- The Legend of the Knights (La Légende des Chevaliers): A magnificent equestrian show with knights, jousting, and stunts. Very popular with children.
- The Eagles of the Ramparts (Les Aigles des Remparts): A majestic falconry show where birds of prey fly over the audience against the backdrop of the ramparts. Fascinating and educational.
- Tip: Arrive early to get good seats, especially for popular shows.
The Provins Rose Garden (La Roseraie de Provins): A beautiful garden dedicated to the Provins rose. Ideal for a relaxing break, strolling, and enjoying the scents. There are often green spaces and benches to rest.
The Tourist Train (Le Petit Train Touristique): A nice option to rest little legs and get an overview of the main sites of the medieval city without getting tired.

3. Specific Activities for Families / Children

Educational Farms Nearby: Some farms like « Ferme pédagogique de Saint-Hilliers » or « La Mercy » (check distances) offer activities to discover animals and rural life.
Provins and Provinois Museum (Musée de Provins et du Provinois): A small museum that can be interesting for curious children.
Workshops: Inquire at the Tourist Office; there may be thematic workshops (calligraphy, introduction to fencing, etc.) during certain periods.

4. Where to Eat and Take a Break

Picnic: Many green spaces and picnic areas are available, especially near the ramparts.
Restaurants: Place du Châtel in the upper town offers restaurants, but the lower town often provides more choices and potentially more affordable prices for families. Look for « kids-friendly » restaurants with suitable menus. Don’t forget to taste the rose-flavored specialties (candies, pastries).

5. Additional Tips for a Successful Visit

Tourist Office: Start your visit at the Tourist Office (located in the upper town) to get a detailed map, show times, and personalized advice.
Accessibility: Some parts of the upper town (cobbled streets, César Tower) may be difficult to access with a stroller. A baby carrier is often recommended for toddlers.
Special Events: In addition to permanent shows, Provins organizes seasonal events (Harvest Festival, Niflette Festival in autumn, medieval Christmas market, etc.). Check the agenda on the Provins Tourisme website before your visit.

By following these tips, your family is sure to have a memorable immersion in the medieval history of Provins!