Provins is a medieval city with a well-preserved historic urban layout and almost all buildings. For this reason, it is fully inscribed on the UNESCO list.
The first mention of Provins appears in the 8th century, but it is known that the settlement existed here much earlier. The center flourished in the Middle Ages because two of France's most important trade routes crossed. In terms of trade, the city was next to Paris and Rouen one of the most important in the country, and the trade fair held here three times a year attracted buyers from all over Europe.
The oldest part of Provins is located on the slopes of the hill and on its top. At the highest point is the four-sided Caesar Tower and the Gothic collegiate church of Saint-Quiriace. Among the valuable monuments of the city are also the Romanesque church Saint-Ayoul, the belfry of Notre-Dame-du-Val, the church Saint-Thibault and mostly preserved powerful defensive walls.
A reference to the traditions of the medieval market is the medieval festival held in Provins every year. Streets with half-timbered buildings are then full of stalls, and there are dance shows, craft workshops, knights' fights and many other attractions on the squares.
