Travel Adventures: Knights, Crypts, and Countryside Charm in Provins, France
After the magic of Disneyland Paris, we decided to trade in theme park fantasy for genuine history with a day trip to the medieval town of Provins, France. Located southeast of Paris, Provins is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it offered a perfect contrast to the bright lights of Disney.
An Unexpectedly Scenic Commute
Our journey started from our Airbnb in Serris. We opted for public transit, catching a bus that would take us the approximately one-hour distance to Provins. And when I say "bus," I don't mean a noisy, crowded city commuter! This was a nice public coach, more akin to a comfortable chartered bus, which made the ride incredibly pleasant.
The best part of the commute was getting a fantastic, unfiltered look at the French countryside. Seeing the rolling fields and charming villages rush by was a lovely experience in itself.
In a slight mix-up typical of international travel, we missed our stop by one or two, which meant a slightly longer but scenic walk into the heart of Provins. It was a beautiful way to enter the ancient town, giving us a moment to appreciate the tranquility before diving into the medieval bustle.
A Roaring Good Time: La Légende des Chevaliers
The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the "La Légende des Chevaliers" (The Legend of the Knights) show. Set in a rustic outdoor arena, this spectacle of horsemanship, falconry, and medieval combat was truly fantastic.
Even though the entire performance was in French, the action, the music, and the incredible skills of the performers made language irrelevant. You don't need to understand the dialogue to appreciate a knight in full armor galloping into a joust or a falcon soaring overhead! The kids were completely captivated by the drama and the horses. It was pure, historical entertainment that felt completely authentic.
(See the photos of the knights in combat and the breathtaking horsemanship.)
A Descent into History: The Underground Galleries
Next, we journeyed beneath the charming streets to explore the Underground Galleries of Provins. This was a fascinating historical tour through a network of crypts, cellars, and chalk pits carved deep beneath the town.
The guide walked us through centuries of history, explaining how these tunnels were originally used for various purposes—from storing goods for the medieval Champagne fairs to connecting homes and even serving as shelters. Walking through those cool, vaulted arches and dimly lit tunnels, you could really feel the weight of history. It was a very interesting look at the practical, hidden life of the medieval residents.
(The photos of the illuminated, arched corridors give you a sense of the scale and atmosphere.)
A Lovely French Farewell
As the day wound down and the sun began to set, casting a beautiful glow over the ancient stone buildings, we settled down for dinner. We found a lovely outdoor café in the town square with its half-timbered façade, providing the perfect ambiance for our last meal in Provins.
It was a classic French experience—a nice dinner, great service, and a chance to just relax and watch the evening life of this ancient community before hopping back on our chartered-style bus for the ride back to Serris.
Final Thoughts
Provins was an incredible day trip. It was a genuine step back in time and a perfect contrast to the Disney fantasy, offering history, great views, and a unique French cultural experience. The combination of the thrilling knights show, the mysterious underground galleries, and the charming medieval town atmosphere made for an unforgettable day.
If you're visiting the Paris area and want to experience authentic medieval France, Provins is absolutely worth the journey. It's family-friendly, educational, and genuinely entertaining—a perfect blend for travelers of all ages.
À bientôt from Provins!