Medieval Cities | Provins: Fortress of the Counts of Champagne

In the heart of Champagne, 80 kilometres from Paris, stands Provins, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. In the 13th century, as King Philip Augustus of France was tightening his grip on the kingdom, Thibaut IV, Count of Champagne, dared to stand up to him. Forced to fall back on his own domain, he turned Provins into a stronghold as prosperous as it was impregnable. Ramparts, market halls, underground passages: everything was designed to receive, protect and circulate wealth.

The town became a veritable strongbox, establishing itself as one of the best-defended fortified cities of its time.