Medieval City Walls (12th-13th Centuries CE) of Provins, Seine-et-Marne, France

 Medieval City Walls (12th-13th Centuries CE) of Provins, Seine-et-Marne, France.

The historic walled city of Provins is an outstanding and authentic example of a medieval fair town in Champagne, a region that was an important centre of exchange, and which witnessed, together with the rise of trading fairs in 11th Century CE, the beginning of significant international trade in Europe.

Of international scope, these trade fairs which targeted merchants and traders required protection of long-distance freight transport between Europe and East, encouraging development of activities such as banking and foreign exchange, as well as productive activities (tanning, dyeing, cloth trade). The urban layout and the medieval dwellings that remain in Provins are an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble built specially to fulfill these functions. This complex includes merchant houses, vaulted cellars and warehouses, outdoor spaces for trade, and religious ensembles. The city is also known for its well-preserved defense system, which was built for the protection of the fairs.

At beginning of 2nd Millennium, Provins was one of several towns in the territory of the Counts of Champagne that became venues for great annual trading fairs linking northern Europe with the Mediterranean world. Provins preserves to a high degree the architecture and urban layout that characterize these great medieval fair towns.

Although Provins suffered some destruction during Hundred Years War in 14th-15th Centuries CE, as well as during French Revolution, it was quite minimal. The urban plan of medieval town is well preserved, as are a large part of the historic buildings, canals and the water management system. Some 150 historic houses have preserved their medieval vaulted cellars, intended for the storage of goods. Despite minor changes since 17th Century CE, city has preserved its integrity and that of the places associated with various functions of the fairs. The relationship of the upper town with the plains of Plateau Briard is also intact. The new buildings in the lower town respect the volumes of ensemble and integrate nicely with historic buildings.

Due to its economic decline, but also to the persistence of its urban functions, the medieval fairs town of Provins remains relatively intact to this day. Open spaces, cellars, public and religious buildings and fortifications have preserved the medieval character of the fairgrounds.