Provins (French pronunciation: [pʁɔvɛ̃]) is a commune in the Seine-et-Marne department in the Île-de-France region in north-central France. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. During the Middle Ages, Provins was an important economic center and hosted annual trading fairs. In 2001, Provins became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Administration

Provins has a population of 11,632 people (as of 2023). It is not the largest town in the Provins arrondissement, but it serves as the administrative center (sous-préfecture) for the area. Provins is also the administrative center of the Provins canton.

History

There are signs that people lived in the area as far back as the Paleolithic era, which was a very old time in human history.

Provins was an important place in Roman Gaul because it was where two major roads crossed—one from Soissons to Troyes and another heading toward Sens in the south.

By the 9th century, Provins had become important enough to make its own coins, called the “denier provinois.” Charlemagne sent his officials, known as the missi dominici, to visit the town. Later, under the protection of the Counts of Champagne, Provins became famous for hosting one of the largest Champagne fairs. This fair was important for trade and farming during the Middle Ages. The fair was held twice a year in May and November in the upper part of the town, while the lower part had a yearly market in September. During this time, Provins also became a center for banking, as the “denier” coin was widely used across Europe. These fairs continued from 1120 until 1320.

In the late 13th century, King Philip IV visited Provins several times. He imposed heavy taxes on the town, which ended its period of growth and caused people to leave. The town was attacked many times and changed control often between the 14th and 16th centuries. This instability made the city less important.

One of the most famous events in Provins’ history happened on August 3, 1429, when King Charles VII, who had just been crowned, attended mass at the Saint-Quiriace collegiate church with his royal court and Saint Joan of Arc. This church still keeps an Islamic silk chasuble that belonged to St. Edmund when he died.

Provins was not greatly affected by the Industrial Revolution and stayed a small market town during the 19th century. The Germans took control of the town in 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War and were barely stopped in 1914 during World War I.

Sights

Provins is famous for its well-preserved fortifications from the 12th century, including the Tour César (the Caesar Tower) and city walls. Many homes and businesses in the Upper Town also date to the 12th century. These buildings were used by merchants, shops, and places where money was counted. Among the four main fair towns in the County of Champagne (Troyes, Lagny-sur-Marne, and Bar-sur-Aube), Provins is the only one that has kept much of its medieval appearance.

The Saint Quiriace Collegiate Church is located in Provins. It is said that Empress Galla Placidia gave the relics of Judas Cyriacus to the city of Ancona in Italy. However, the saint’s head was brought to Provins from Jerusalem by Henry I of Champagne. He built a church in the town to display the relic. The head remains at the Saint Quiriace Collegiate Church. Construction of the church was not finished during the 12th century because of financial problems during the reign of Philippe le Bel. A dome was added in the 17th century, and the families who lived in the Upper Town were called "Children of the Dome." No further work on the church has been done since the dome was added. The police station (built in 2010) is a modern building designed by Parisian architects Philippe Ameller and Jacques Dubois.

Two sets of caves are found beneath parts of the town. The first type was likely used for storing food during the Middle Ages. The second, deeper type contains graffiti from the Bronze and Iron Age.

Economy

Provins is known for growing roses, which are used to make many different kinds of foods. The area's most famous products include rose petal jam, Provinois rose honey, and rose candy. In the past, Provins was a major producer of wine, and some residents still use medieval wine-making methods today. A few vineyards continue to be used for wine production.

Education

• Public preschools (maternelles): Coudoux, Raymond Louis, Terrier Rouge, Ville Haute, and Voulzie.
• Public primary schools: Coudoux, Désiré Laurent, Marais, Terrier Rouge, Ville Haute, and Voulzie.
• Public junior high schools (collèges): Jules Verne, Lelorgne de Savigny, and Marie Curie.
• Public senior high schools (lycées): Thibaut de Champagne and Les Pannevelles.
• There is one private school that provides education from preschool through high school: Institution Sainte-Croix.

Notable people

Provins is the birthplace of:

• Marie Jules César Savigny (1777–1851), zoologist
• Edmond Nocard (1850–1903), veterinarian and microbiologist
• Maurice Hayot (1862–1945), violinist
• Jean-Pierre Vernant (1914–2007), historian
• Dominique A (born 1968), songwriter and singer
• David Moncoutié (born 1975), retired road racing cyclist

Provins is the hometown of:

• Christian Jacob (born 1959), farmer and politician