Things to Do in Provins, France - Provins Attractions
Things to Do in Provins
Check out must-see sights and activities:
La Grange Aux Dîmes, Les Souterrains de Provins, Historic Sites, Churches & Cathedrals. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
La Grange Aux Dîmes, Les Souterrains de Provins, Historic Sites, Churches & Cathedrals. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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- Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$339
- Historical Toursfrom
$520per adult$468 - Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$74
- Food & Drinkfromper adult$136
- Historical Toursfromper adult$60
- Historical Toursfromper adult$48
- Food & Drinkfromper adult$146
- Historical Toursfromper adult$158
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$143
- Food & Drinkfromper adult$141
Historic Sites
Historic Sites
Other Top Attractions around Provins
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Sherweet SahloulJeddah, Saudi Arabia27 contributionsAttractive museum in provins,, one of the important attractions not to be missed, it gives you an idea about life in provins in earlier centuries,,, good English audio guide,,, attractive for both adults and kids.Written September 17, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tonin92Villiers-sur-Marne, France2,600 contributionsWhen hot it’s a cool place, relax and enjoy details and histories given by the guide ( very good indeed). Take time to discover story , old wines storage, graffiti... and respect the place. Very nice moment with kids or teenagers.Written April 13, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- liverpool1023London, UK1,175 contributionsFascinating and unusual fortress that has an interesting symmetry. The upper part also houses the bell for the nearby collegiate church that lets out a deafening bong every so often. There’s a small video installation that provides some history about its founder; Henry the Liberal, Duke of Champagne. Probably the best epithet of all Medieval nobility. There was an icy cold and dimly lit scramble up stairways and windswept balconies. There’s a great view across Provin its ramparts and super sized church. The cheap entry justifies and half hour visit.Written December 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TarjiaKlaukkala, Finland258 contributionsThe garden is huge, 3 hectares. It is beautiful but very few roses were in bloom because it was too early in the summer. But we got to pay a discounted entrance price because of that so we did not feel cheated but were happy to browse the gardens and imagine how beautiful everything looks later in the summer.Written May 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brian TLondon, UK8,047 contributionsAn exploration of the ramparts (and its two 'gates' or 'portes') which formed part of the defensive system of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Provins is a must when you visit this beautiful and historic medieval town.
These magnificent stone ramparts were built between the 11th and 13th centuries, and some 2 kilometres remain, still standing strong to this day. They are well preserved and a fabulous and formidable sight to behold.
Wrapped around the walled Upper Town of Provins, the 25m high ramparts used to provide this wealthy community with ample protection. They are a fine example of medieval military architecture.
The most interesting and best preserved part of the ramparts are located between two formidable ‘gates ‘ which are now open to vehicular traffic: Porte Saint-Jean and Porte de Jouy. You will also see vestiges of the ramparts as walk along Rue Saint-Thibault which connects the Upper and Lower Towns
The best way to explore the ramparts and capture the visual beauty of them is to walk through either gate, and follow the walls around on the outside road that links the two gates - Allee des Ramparts. You can walk on sections of the wall at both gates. Along the ramparts are 22 towers of varying shapes. Each tower you spot along the rampart was made in a different shape as this was a way for the wealthy townspeople to signify the prowess and expertise of their builders; merchants or travellers to the town would thus know right away that Provins had money, and talented townspeople.
At Porte de Jouy, climb the stairs onto the observation decks on the wall; you will be rewarded with splendid views of the rooftops of Provins’ Upper Town, with the dome of Eglise Saint-Quiriaceand the gallery of the Tour Cesar dominating the townscape.
To see these ramparts and gates is one of the main reasons why visitors flock to this medieval spot. The town is easily reached by a 1.5 hour train journey from Gare de l’Est in Paris. The walls are in the ‘Upper Town’ section of Provins; the walk there will take you about 40 minutes from the rail station in Provins; it is a steep walk.Written January 26, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Brian TLondon, UK8,047 contributionsYou can’t miss this huge church in Provins. It sits high up in the medieval Upper Town, dominating the landscape with its dome which can be seen from all over this historic and beautiful community. It forms part of the historical heritage of the town of Provins, which is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site.
The church is dedicated to Saint Quiriace (or Cyriaque) of Jerusalem. The construction of Saint Quiriace began in the 12th century, but has never been completed due to lack of funds due to the immense proportions of the building. The grand dome, for which the church is famous, was actually constructed in the 17th century, and at that time, the old families of the 'upper town' of Provins were referred to as the 'children of the dome'.
The church was technically closed when we visited, but we were allowed to peer briefly through an open door (though not venture further). What struck me most was the stark simplicity of the church, and how much light filtered through its vast interior. It certainly has the graceful lines and arches of a gothic edifice, with tall columns supporting a fan-vaulted ceiling many storeys high. However, the totally white interior was largely without adornment. There was no stained glass in the windows, and there appeared to be little religious ornamentation, timber carvings, and decorations. The only items in the church we a few pews and many chairs, and the central altar table. It was surprisingly bare, and that spoke of being unfinished.
It’s a beautiful structure in its simplicity, and in many respects quite different to a traditional gothic cathedral. It was very light and bright inside; most cathedrals of this ilk I have visited are usually dark and gloomy. If you have the opportunity to explore the interior, do so. It’s certainly worth a visit.Written January 25, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AlbywonSydney, Australia13,666 contributionsI always recommend the tourist office as the first stop but in this town it is essential. They have a good free map - in English - and sell the tickets. Plenty of organised parking beside the entrance.Written July 16, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Julie S10 contributionsThe hidden art in this abbey makes any visit worthwhile. The Pieta by Jacques Jubert -- done about 20 years after Michelangelo's famous statue -- is a masterpiece. (Apparently it was made for a hospital near Provins that no longer exists)Written May 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ann1989Virginia240 contributionsWe were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful modern stained glass windows and the centuries-old works of art found in this 12th century church in the lower town of Provins on the main square. As a bonus, there are explanatory panels related to the stained glass windows and works of art inside the church. Entry is free. It is well worth a stop on the way to the upper town of Provins and its attractions.Written October 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AlbywonSydney, Australia13,666 contributionsWe visited because we had a 12€ Provins Pass, alternatively entry is 4€30 for this attraction.
We had a walk through, I wasn't overly impressed. No self guided audio tour, all signs in French only.Written July 17, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Marielle JBeijing, China19 contributionsWe went to the Banquet des troubadours, four adults and two kids, and it was a great experience for the entire family! Great food (and alot), very nice entertainment, better if you understand French, but even my parents really enjoyed it! A lovely setting and you even get to dress like a princess!Written May 1, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.