Provins

Provins has been synonymous with roses for centuries. In medieval times, Provins was the central town for fairs where merchants from around the world would sell their wares.

Getting there is very easy from Paris.

By train

Trains to Provins leave from Paris-Gare de l'Est, served by metro lines 4, 5, 7, close to RER B, D, E. The trains, named "XIBU" heading to Provins, leave on tracks 13-22, the exact track number will be shown 20 minutes before departure. There is 1 train per hour leaving at :46 from Paris, between 6:46am and 10:46pm, with additional departures at :16 between 4:16pm and 7:16pm on Monday-Friday. On Sunday, there is no 7:46am train. The journey takes 1 hr 24 minutes.
On the way back, trains from Provins, named "PIBU", leave every hour to Paris at :46, between 5:46am and 9:46pm, with additional departures on Monday-Friday at 5:16am, 6:16am, 7:13am. On Sunday, there is no 6:46am and 8:46am train. The journey takes 1 hr 26 minutes.
Provins is in fare zone 5: if you already have a pass covering zone 1-5, you can use it on the trip. If you're doing a day trip, buy Mobilis zone 1-5 day pass ((€17.80), it will also be valid in Paris (RER, metro, bus, tram). Don't forget to write your name and date of use before using it! If you're staying more than a day in Provins, a one-way ticket costs €11.35, it can be used on either way no matter the order of the departure and arrival station written on the ticket. Don't forget to validate it before getting on board!
At Gare de l'Est, tickets should be purchased to the destination Provins from the green, blue or grey colored Billet Île-de-France machines (these are the same machines from which you buy Paris metro tickets) and *not* from the yellow colored SNCF machines. Many of these machines accept only coins or a chipped debit card, so if you have only bills and are traveling with a non-chipped card, be prepared to find a ticket office. You can buy your ticket from a station other than Gare de l'Est, just make sure that "Paris" is set as the departure station if you're buying a one-way ticket.

• Pass ProvinsA pass that includes single entry to the 4 sites below.

• Caesar's Tower

  address: Rue de la Pie

• Tithe Barn

  address: 2, rue Saint-Jean
  Dating from the 13th century the Tithe Barn was used as a covered market.

• Underground Galleries

  address: 3, rue Saint-Thibault
  Access by guided 1hr tour only. Limited English tours, but you can tag along during the French-speaking tours that are daily. While the galleries are all empty now, there is writing carves in the walls of some of the galleries of former owners who stored wine there.

• Museum of Provins and Surroundings

  address: 7, rue du Palais

Ramparts and Fortified Gates

Provins Rose Garden

Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church

address: Place Saint-Quiriace

Erected in the XIIth century, it has never been completed due to the French kingdom's financial difficulties under the reign of Philippe le Bel.

• The Eagles of the Ramparts

  phone: +33 1 60 58 80 32
  address: Théâtre des remparts, Ville haute
  Falconry show

• The Legend of the Knights

  phone: +33 1 60 67 39 95
  address: 1 Vieux Chemin de Paris

• The Age of the Ramparts

  phone: +33 1 60 67 39 95
  address: 1 Vieux Chemin de Paris

• Rose goodssmall shops all over Provins sell rose-based gifts such as perfume, soap, candy, etc.

• RoseMany of the small restaurants near the main square of upper Provins serve rose in varying forms, ice cream, jam, syrup, etc.

• BrieProvins is part of the brie region of France and thus has their own brie cheese. You'll find it in most restaurants and can have it on burgers or in crepes.

• Beer with Rose syrupAs roses are a specialty of Provins, most restaurants and bars serve beer with rose syrup which is quite refreshing on a hot day.

• Paris