I am considering taking my two (9yr and 13yr) to see the Medieval Fair/town in Provins. Does anyone have any suggestions/information that might be helpful? It looks like a tourist trap type thing but also looks like it would be fun too. We have two weeks in Paris and will take some day trips. This might be one choice.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
The town istself is worth a visit just for the ramparts and towers. I've never been there when the festival was going on -- it's probably only in summer or something, so check the dates.
Posted by
Ohio
2154 posts
Another place you might consider is the Château de Guédelon in Treigny, France. It’s a medieval castle being built using 13th century materials and techniques. It’s about 2 hours from Paris by car. I was there last May and thought it was very interesting. I think your kids would enjoy it. The website is www.guedelon.fr/
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Madstag , I just visited there in June,, and it was great. Definately consider doing it. I only saw the Hawking show,, but even though the narration was in French the show was still enjoyable, the music , costumes, the live animals( they had horses and camel) and of course the Birds of Prey were wonderful to watch swooping about. I really wish I had time to take in the Jousting show,, it looked spectacular ,, darn, next time. Arrive as soon as you can and note show times.. its worth going to them.
The site itself is a World Heritage Site, oldest medival ramparts still intact or something like that, hardly a tourist trap.. like Disneyland is..
Take your kids, take sunscreen , water( although of course you can buy stuff there) and HATS ,, the shows were in the sun, and it can be mighty hot sitting in the sun. Get to shows early enough to try and get shade seats.
I haven't been to the fair, I am sure it will be very crowded,, but fun,, I would suggest this is a great daytrip for kids,, medival buildings to crawl around in, ice cream available,. employees in costume etc.
I have taken both my kids to Paris, and we did not go to Provins and I REGRET it,, but there was so much other stuff to do.. I will say my 14 yr old son would have way preffered a day there then at Versailles,, which he DID enjoy,, but he was hoping to see something more medival, and Versailles is a Chateau,, not a medival walled town.
I still suggest Versailles( especially Marie Antionettes Hamlet) .You can even rent bikes on the grounds( son loved that) .
I would also suggest a Fat Tire Bike tour,, super fun, I would do the one to Giverny with a 9 yr old,, its easy, includes time to picnic, and the least amount of street riding( you ride on an old decommissioned railway line along a river,, very peaoeful.