Provins, Mondial Heritage

THE HISTORY OF FRANCE AND THE LOCAL HISTORY 

Provins seems to have existed since the beginning of the modern age. But we find no written confirmation of the town’s importance until the year 802 when Charlemagne sent Etienne, Count of Paris, and Fardufle, abbot of Saint-Denis to Provins as his ” missi dominici ” that. This period coincides with the earliest military architecture in Provins.

In 996, during the reign of Hugues Capet, the remains of Saint Ayoul were miraculously discovered in the Lower Town. A number of religious buildings were erected on the site of this discovery, and the marshland was completely drained.

This period marked the beginnings of the Counts of Vermandois, a branch of which family subsequently gave rise to the Counts of Champagne.The town’s influence was at its highest point during the 12th and 13th centuries, the time of the celebrated Champagne Fairs. Famed for its troubadours, safe behind its fortified walls, Provins was a wealthy and much envied commercial town. A great variety of products from all over Europe were traded there: wool, cloth, wine, furs, dyes, jewellery… Provins even minted its own coinage, and the Provins penny (denier provinois) was recognized and accepted throughout France.

The town was at the height of its fame during the reign of Thibaud IV of Champagne (1201 – 1253), vassal of the French Kings Philippe Auguste (1165 – 1223) and Saint Louis (1214 – 1270). Count Thibaud of Champagne was a poet and warrior who took part in a number of sieges. When King Louis XI was crowned in 1226, Thibaud left the army to join Blanche of Castile, his legendary lady-love (whose existence, in spite of persistent rumours, remains unconfirmed by any text). His relationship with the Queen-regent was a succession of disputes and collusions.
In 1230 the Picardy army attacked Provins. To save the town from imminent defeat, Count Thibaud rode out of Provins alone and challenged the Picardy leader Philippe de Hurepel to single combat. Thibaud won the ensuing tourney, which had the town’s safekeeping as its prize.
In 1233 Thibaud, Count of Champagne, was crowned King of Navarre.
In 1239 Thibaud left on Crusade. He returned to Provins with the famous Damascus rose, which subsequently gave rise to many different French and European roses.

During the second half of the 13th century the Flanders and Rhine Valley Fairs became increasingly important. Their rivalry with the Champagne Fairs and the ensuing decline of the town’s economy foreshadowed the waning of the Counts’ power. In 1279 the Mayor of Provins, Guillaume Pentecôte, had to increase the length of the working day by one hour. The mayor was subsequently murdered during the revolt that followed his decision, and as part of the punishment inflicted on Provins the town lost most of its riches.Moreover, the Count’s only heir – Jeanne of Navarre – married Philippe IV Le Bel, and therefore on her death the Champagne region became part of the royal domain.During the 12th century part of the Roman de Renard was written in the Provins area.The 13th century Count Thibaud IV of Champagne, known as ” the songster “, was recognized as one of the greatest poets of his day.

THE PATRIMONY OF PROVINS

This ancient fair-town and former capital of the Counts of Champagne is an exceptional showcase for civil, religious and military architecture. Sheltered behind its fortified walls, Provins invites you on a journey to Mediaeval times.

Each year the mediaeval town of Provins invites you on an unforgettable journey. Take a good look around you, for this is no dream! Here you are in the heart of Mediaeval times. What a wonderful period of history, with knights in armour, craftsmen, fortified walls (Les remparts), timbered houses, churches and underground galleries (Les souterrains). So much to see, so much to discover.

Today Provins still boasts 58 monuments that are listed or registered on the inventory of France’s Historical Monuments, inscribed on the world heritage list of Unesco as an Urban ensemble.

Among the different sites to be found are: Caesar’s Tower (Tour César), Saint Ayoul Church, Saint Quiriace Collegiate Church and the Tithe Barn (La Grange aux Dîmes).
Provins also offers you: a museum, a magnificent collection of ancient manuscripts (Fonds Anciens) that includes some splendidly rich illuminated texts, the Franciscan Convent, rose-petal speciality products, mosaic floor-tiles, shows and entertainments and a number of traditional events and festivals.

 

 

GUIDED TOUR : « PROVINS, WORLD HERITAGE »

Provins is a real showcase of medieval architecture – military, religious, civil – with 58 protected Historical Monuments. Provins is also an exceptional witness of the famous Fairs of Champagne…

If you want to know more about the town inscribed on the World Heritage List, and about the famous Fairs of Champagne during the 11th, 12th and 13th Centuries, the Tourist Office suggest you a special guided tour « Provins, World Heritage ».
During the tour, you will discover the inside of a fortified gate, the ramparts, the old streets, the three inside floors of the Tithe Barn, the different houses on the Place du Châtel and the outside of the Caesar’s Tower.

• Guided Tour: every weekends and Public Holidays, from 31th March to 30th September 2007
• Departure: 3.00 p.m. from the Tourist Office.
• Lenght : 2 hours

 

MEDIEVAL SHOWS

• The Eagles of the Ramparts

Equestrian Falconery show unique in Europe
Have you heard? In the Provins Rampart Theatre they whisper the legend of Bavon

the Falconer, a
great 7th century huntsman once accused of stealing a white falcon.

But, as Bavon was led to the scaffold, his innocence was proved when the “stolen” falcon reappeared in the sky. Converted to Christianity, Bavon later became the Patron Saint of all falconers.

Discover these wonderful birds of prey, presented in perfect harmony with horses, wolves and a dromedary. Eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and vultures are your introduction to the world of Falconry.

The tales told here are an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

After the show, visit the bird’s aviary and the wolves’ enclosure.

 

• The Battle of the Ramparts

A war engine show
At the foot of the ramparts, in these times disturbed by the conflicts between the important feudal Lords, come and see… or even take part in the training of soldiers.

You could observe the brave Milon and his fencing teacher training to fights with different arms : swords, sticks, etc…

You’ll know all about soldier’s equipment, his armour, and about the role of the hourses in a battle thanks to their breastplates.

And above all, you’ll see the three working medieval war engines of the site, built in accordance with ancient texts and engravings : the quarry-wheel mangonel, the trebuchet and the couillard (or biffa) !

A very rhythmical show which introduces you to the techniques of the war as it was in the Middle Ages.

Siege engines constructed by Renaud Beyfette
Show produced by Equestrio and Renaud Beyfette
www.equestrio.fr

 

• The Legend of the Knights

« The Legend of the knights » brings to life Provins in the Middle Ages, in the XIIIth century.

In the moat of the ramparts, dive in the heart of this medieval legend which reveals to you a fantastic chivalry show.

Thibaud IV, Earl of Champagne, returns from his crusades and joins his love Blanche de Castille.
But the reunion is wasted because of the terrible Torvark accompanied by his troll.
To save her and to save his town, he will have to face the forces of the evil .

Then, spectacular fights take place in front of you, rhythmed by the gallop of horses.

You will see some fabulous scenes, with magnificent costumes, medieval city and ramparts scenery, and a vast number of animals like horses, wolves, pigs and cows, all tamed… For your greatest of pleasure!

Let yourself travel back to the time of the knights and the beautiful ladies…

Show produced and created by Equestrio.
www.equestrio.fr

• Arkhangaï, Horsemen of the Steppes

The Residence of the Knights Templar – The first horsemen that we know of lived in Asia, where they occupied over 5,000 square kilometres of steppe country.

Commissioned by the Emperor of China, Marco Polo travelled and traded throughout Central Asia for over 16 years. Entitled “The Description of the World”, the book written by Marco Polo after his return to Venice describes the lifestyle of these expert horsemen and the exceptional bond that existed between horse and rider – at work, at play and in war!

Cavalcades, trick-riding, liberty horses, caprioles and dressage can all be admired during this unforgettable show!

After the performance, come and visit the exhibition about falconry on horseback.

 

 

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LODGING

See the listing of the Hotels in Provins

 

PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS

Provins Tourist Office
Low Season
Open from January 2nd to March 21st and from November 3rd to December 31th 2008:
Weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Weekends & public holidays from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
High Season
From March 22nd to November 2nd :
Daily from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m..
General closure December 25th and January 1st

PASS PROVINS
This special offer includes for one person the entrance to: Caesar’s Tower, Underground Galleries, Tithe Barn and Museum.
Its advantages:
– available for one year from the buying if you haven’t enough time to visit all the monuments the same day
– reduced prices for the medieval shows and the tourist train the purchase day.
Passes no available for 14th & 15th June, 31st August and 20th & 21st September</span >

How to get to Provins

By Car :
– From the A4 Paris to Metz/Strasbourg motorway, take Exit 13 (“Serris”). From this exit take the D231 secondary road (follow the “Provins” signs).
– Take the N4 national highway, followed by the D231 secondary road (follow the “Provins” signs).
– Take the N19 national highway (follow the “Provins” signs).
– From the A5 Paris to Troyes motorway, take Exit 16 (“Châtillon-la-Borde”). From this exit take the D408 secondary road followed by the N19 main road (follow the “Provins” signs).
– From the A6 Paris to Lyons motorway, use the “Courtenay” exit.

By Rail : (you can travel to Provins with an 8 zone travel pass 8) :

– Direct from the Gare de l’Est train terminus in Paris. For train times phone 01 64 00 01 95.

Рin bus (from RER Chessy Marne la Vall̩e РProvins) : Seine et Marne Express : 01 60 67 30 67.
www.procars.com