There are quite a few options when it comes to day trips from Paris. After a fast paced few weeks in the city, I decided that the medieval town of Provins would be the perfect little day getaway.

About the town: It is widely known for having the biggest medieval festival in Europe, but it is still a great option during the off-season for a Saturday activity. It is also considered a UNESCO Heritage Site.

[ PROVINS DAY TRIP ITINERARY ]

[ GETTING THERE  & ARRIVING ]

Train Time: ~ 1.5 hours from Paris

Leave out of: Gare de L’Est

Cost: Free with a Navigo pass, or 11.50 Euro each way.

Getting to Provins is relatively easy from Paris. There are trains leaving every hour going to the town (usually on the 45 of the hour). If you’re only going for the day (I recommend Saturday), it’s best to leave around 8 AM. You’ll arrive around 11 AM.

Upon Arrival: The train station in Provins is about a 12 minute walk from the lower part of town. Note that the lower part of Provins is where the outdoor market and more modern shops are. As you take the main street uphill you’ll reach upper Provins (where the main historical elements are).

[ THE SATURDAY MARKET ]

Location: Place Honoré de Balzac

Date & Time: Saturdays, 8 AM – 12 PM

The Provins Marché is one of the best I’ve come across. You can find everything from veggies to clothing. This is a great spot for picking up some fresh goodies to take home or something for a picnic. Which leads to the topic of lunch.

[ LUNCH ]

When it comes to lunch, Lower Provins has some more reasonably priced options than upper. But then again, the upper part is much more quaint. I recommend picking up some fresh items at the market and having a picnic in one of the many grassy areas in the medieval area. If you go by the “Rampart” or “Cesar’s Tower” there are lots of great picnic locations.

[ TO SEE ]

There are a lot of cute little streets to discover in town, whether or not you actually go into any of the buildings. Every corner seems to have historical buildings, quaint homes, and peaceful parks. There are a couple of main attractions however:

• César’s Tower

• Grange aux Dimes

• Underground Galleries

• Museum of Provins

If you are interested in visiting all 4, I would highly recommend the “Pass Provins” – this pass allows you entry into all 4 spots for 12 euros. Each ticket separately would cost 4 euros.  They can be purchased at the Tourist Office.

Saint-Quiriace collegiate church

There are a couple of churches in town, but this one is by far the biggest, oldest, and most famous. Actually, it is said that Joan D’Arc came to mass here along with quite a few French kings.

By 4 or 5 PM, you’ll be ready to head back to the city. Pro tip: The area around Gare De L’Est is a little questionable, so it’s best to get back to the city by 6 or 7 PM in the summer time while it is still light out.

Looking for more Paris travel activities? Visit the travel section here.