Provins as a day trip from Paris
 

Provins is one of the principal medieval cities within easy reach of Paris, and most of you will have seen it masquerading as any number of places in historical movies where old stones are required. This is absolutely the best time of year to take a trip there with all of the municipal flowers in full bloom, and to say that they are abundant is an understatement.

There are hourly trains from Paris-Est, and the Navigo pass is valid on them if you have one.

Here is the report that I made of my trip yesterday, and please note that there is a link in to the sensational report that FrenchMystique made of the area in 2010 showing all of the great biking roads that some of you might want to consider: http://tinyurl.com/provins2016

Your photo reports never disappoint. I like the way this one shows much more to the town than its well-known touristic appeal. You always find plenty to appreciate that's off the beaten path.

Stunning photos, kerouac. Much appreciated.

Loved the dragon weathervane. Provins is lovely and I understand why they are so proud of all of the plantings..beautiful (especially against the old stone).

You're doing it to me again, Kerouac. I went on a trip up the Canal St. Martin and walked the Promenade Plantee after seeing your photo journals. Now I have to set off to Provins when I am in Paris -- perhaps not this upcoming time in December as the town may be bleak in the winter, but next summer instead.

I saw the title without looking to see who was the poster and thought I was going to have to give instructions on how to get to Provins. Maybe only directions for pub quiz on Wednesday nights are needed. Now that would be an interesting trip report. ;)

Same here...I have a feeling that Provins wouldn't be the same in December. Another reason to get myself to France during the warmer months!

Loved seeing your lovely photos of Provins - and reading your comments. I had planned to day trip there on my last Paris trip 2 1/2 years ago (May), but never made it. I'm going back in mid-October and would love to go this time. But I would miss those beautiful flowers! I love seeing Medieval towns and architecture, so might give it a try anyway - depending on the weather (no fog). I can't walk to the degree that you can (due to old age!) so I would hope that the shuttle that runs up and down would still be running then. Also definitely want to see the Eagle show. I also read somewhere that there is a little tourist train in the summer. Probably not in October. Anyway, your photos make me anxious to go. Thanks for posting them!

I went in December to Provins and loved it - may not be a sweet as in warmer weather but I loved it - if you can only go in December or winter do so - you will have the town pretty much to yourself.

I was there in early May, and loved the town. Looking at your photos I think Provins was more scenic in May with all the yellow rapeseed fields.

By the way, for Provins daytrippers, I highly recommend the Aigle des Ramparts. It's a medieval falconry show that's very fun to watch as the falcons fly really close above your head.

Also make sure to have some cash on when you arrive at Provins train station as there are no ATMs around. You need to pay in cash for the shuttle bus to get to the center of town.

We were out of cash had to walk all the way up to the old town. (Which was fun)

The Provins train station is just a few dead-end platforms out in the open if I recall correctly - no proper station at all.

Loacker or Kerouac, is the walk up to the old town very steep? I just saw the Provins website (only in French) and it looks like the shuttle van stops operating Sept. 1. However, the "Petit Train" runs on weekends until Nov. 1.

Sue, if memory serves, it's a 20-minute walk that's easy for the most part but which gets steep towards the end.

Thanks PalenQ---very good to know!

I felt no need to take the shuttle bus as my intention was to walk all over town anyway. I would say that the climb up to the Tour César area is "steep" but the hill is not all that high in reality, so it was not really a problem. There are a variety of ways to get to the top, some steep and some with gentle slopes.

There is indeed a train station in Provins, built in 1979 and modernized in 2007. (This replaced the original station built in 1858.) All of the bus lines can be found directly in front of the station.

Thanks for the answers. I'll just plan to walk probably - slowly, and enjoy!

Great report, as always. I had hoped to get to Provins last fall to take advantage of the Navigo pass, but the weather didn't cooperate. Your beautiful pictures remind me to keep this high on my list for next time. Thanks.

The tourist office website has an excellent English version and all the info needed about transport by bus from the train station to the old town can be found there if you don't feel like walking. I would recommend taking the bus to the tourist office to get your tourist map of the town and other info before you start your visit. And yes, it has a proper train station with staff and ticket windows etc.

Thanks for a wonderful set of photos. Provins is now on my list of things to do when next I am in Paris!