A Medieval Town Just 50 Minutes from Paris 🚃
Recently, our family was invited to a wedding in Provins, a beautifully preserved medieval town in France. Just a 50 minute train ride from Gare de l’Est in Paris, the moment we arrived we were transported into another world, cobblestone streets, ancient stone walls, and a tranquil atmosphere that felt like a scene from centuries past. This special wedding experience was made even more memorable by the town’s unique charm.
Did you know? Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage site!
A Wedding at Église Saint-Quiriace 💒
The ceremony took place at Église Saint-Quiriace, a magnificent church perched atop a hill. With its massive dome and sturdy stone walls, it radiated solemnity and history. On the facade, I noticed a plaque stating: “On August 3, 1429, Jeanne d’Arc attended mass here in this church in Provins with King Charles VII, on her way back from the coronation in Reims.” Standing in the same spot as these historical figures was a deeply moving experience.
The priest’s words were especially memorable. He spoke about what it truly means to be married, and it gave me a chance to think deeply about it. And above all, the bride looked absolutely beautiful🩷 and together they made such a lovely couple. The whole ceremony was graceful and touching, an experience we will always remember.
A Medieval Feast and Croquembouche 🍽
After a cocktail hour, the celebration continued with dinner in a medieval-style cellar restaurant. We were served two types of wine in rustic ceramic cups 🍷one a classic red, the other a honey and herb infused wine with an aromatic quality that reminded me of German Glühwein. I especially enjoyed the latter. It was so fragrant and flavorful! The dishes were simple in appearance but rich in flavor. The dessert at the end was especially delicious.
Then came the pièce de résistance: the traditional French wedding cake known as croquembouche (My husband called it a “pièce montée” which is also what this traditional French wedding cake is known as.). It’s a towering creation of cream-filled choux puffs coated in caramel and stacked into a cone. The cream was lightly sweet and delightful😋but sadly, I was too full to eat more than a bite!
Throughout the evening, a folk music group in traditional costume performed non-stop, creating a festive atmosphere filled with laughter and applause. At the grand finale, all 80 guests joined hands and danced in a circle. Though it’s a familiar tradition in France, I had never experienced anything like it before, and absolutely joyful.
Climbing Tour César🗼
The next morning, we explored the old town together as a family, starting with a relaxing breakfast in a quiet square café. Then, our first stop: Tour César. This iconic stone tower once served as a watchtower and prison, with its thick walls and jutting turrets giving it the look of a real medieval fortress. We climbed to the top and were rewarded with sweeping views of the town and surrounding ramparts.
Walking the Town Walls 🏰
Provins is encircled by a remarkably well-preserved medieval wall (Remparts). Some parts are open to climb, and a green trail – Allée des Remparts – runs along the edge. We enjoyed a peaceful morning stroll, with fresh breezes and birdsong in the air.
🌹 The Rose City
Provins is also known as the city of roses🌹, and during our late May visit, roses were in full bloom. Climbing roses adorned the buildings and windows, filling the air with their fragrance. Near La Roseraie de Provins (the rose garden), shopfronts were glowing with pink blossoms. It was such a lovely sight and smell.
Wandering the Old Town 🏘
The timber-framed houses and cobblestone streets looked like something straight out of a fairytale. At one charming window, a white cat gazed out at us..my husband couldn’t resist snapping a photo 😺
A Small Town I’d Love to Visit Again 💞
Before and after the wedding, we met up with our daughter who lives in Paris. Sharing meals and stories together made the weekend even more special. It was a beautiful mix of old-world tranquility and modern city energy. All wrapped into a meaningful family memory and a perfect little escape from the daily life. 😊 If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t miss it!
