You came to Paris for a few days. And the place is full of exciting vibes. At every step, some detail draws your attention. Whether it is just a homeless person who completes the composition of the space in which he is, or it is a historical work of Art, all this awakens inspiration and increases the amount of dopamine in your body.
But is that enough to experience the real world of the French? Or to get to know the history and way of living of this nation?
Have you visited any place other than Paris in France?
Looking at many videos and photos, most people are interested in seeing Paris, which is quite ok. But I believe that hardly anyone thinks of going to this beautiful country’s villages and some smaller towns.
I wanted to know more about this beautiful country’s real-life mentality. And to be able to do that and share it with you, I need to take a short trip out of Paris.
Just an hour from Paris is a place called Province. An ideal place to get to know the surroundings/countryside of France, to experience the atmosphere of everyday French life, and a great place to complete a visit to Paris.
Contrast
The Province is the opposite of what can be seen in Paris. Paris is attractive both day and night. You can spend your days walking around the city and enjoying the artistic monuments, as I call them, buildings that exude energy and history.
In Paris, everything is accelerating. A fast-paced lifestyle, and many events, from daytime events to nightly parties.
The countryside is different. People look relaxed and do everything slower like the time is frozen. Everything looks like a fairy-tale. Just walking through the streets of a small town or village introduces me to a story, and I automatically get inspired to do something creative. In my case, it’s drawing or painting.
Countryside competition
It’s amazing how a painting and drawing competition occurred over the weekend when I went to the Province.
I could see at every step how artists create. Of course, it inspired me immediately, and the whole city looked convinced to draw and paint, so I started to draw, too.
It’s simple. I think anyone can try. That is how I started, just trying.
What’s the point?
When we draw and try to capture the contours of a human being or somewhere a work of beautiful nature, and that drawing begins to look like something, our dopamine is automatically activated, and we feel pleased that we have achieved something.
Try it!
Take paper and pen; if you don’t have a pen, take a ballpoint pen. I have some drawings done with a chemist because, at the time, I wanted to draw something I didn’t have a pencil.
Then look at, e.g., A house, a tree, or some object that does not move. It is easier to start drawing things, buildings, or a part of nature that does not move.
Look at a house, and you will see that one side is illuminated by the sun and that house should have a thin line or even partially omit the line. Feel free to strengthen the bar where there is a shadow, and you can shade a little where you see the shadow falling.
First attempt
This tip is not a drawing class, and I want to inspire you always to try new things, even though you think you are untalented for something like that.
Trying and exploring your limits can make you happy, curious, and excited. Or so it is in my case.
Always something to see and to be inspired
Just walking through the town can inspire you. These are the emperors of a smaller place. You go for a walk and suddenly come across a museum or one of the events in the city with no plan. When you get tired, step into one of their restaurants, and you can enjoy French specialties without a mistake.
My countryside choices for a weekend
There are a lot of choices in this beautiful place. Later, I will give you some ideas of what you can see if you visit this fantastic place for a few days.
Just after my coffee, I left for a walk. I admired the flowers that smelled, the birds sang, and that was enough to enjoy the moment. That feeling reminded me of my childhood when I felt carefree and happy just because the weather was excellent and I could go out and play outside.
I bumped into the small castle that was turned into a museum. How easy that was, to find some attraction without looking for it!
What you do not want to miss in Provins
#1 The Medieval City of Provins
Let yourself discover some monuments protected by Unesco World Heritage and have a unique experience. There are a few places to see, such as:
- The Cesar Tower
- The Grange aux Dîmes
- The Saint-Ayoul Priory
- The museum of Provins
The underground passages
The underground passage is quite long, but it is open just partly to the public. The reason is that it is so long that people could get lost very easily.
The Cesar Tower
I have been to Cesar Tower, a symbol of power from the 12th century. The tower was used as a watch tower, but also it was used as a refuge and a prison. Prisoners viewed the dungeons, which sometimes could be very dark.
Apart from the whole atmosphere of the place, I was impressed by the LED lighting used to illuminate the tower, which was used economically and ecologically.
You can buy tickets here.
Museum of Provins
The museum is one of the oldest civil buildings in Provins. While walking through what they called ‘Maison Romane,’ you will be able to see archaeological excavations, starting from prehistory to the 19th century.
I go to Provins in May, on 14th of May visit European Night of Museum from 5.30pmn till midnight. Museum organize offers you free to see the permanent collection, including a theme program in organization with SHAAP.
The Saint-Ayoul Priory
You can see the picture of Saint – Ayoul from before and now. It took 15 years to restore this beautiful thousand year’s old monument.
Relics were found and attributed to Saint Ajoul, and the proclamation and finding of a saint or martyr were very religious.
In the 11th century, Count Thibaut I decided to reconstruct the premises. The chapel has become too small compared to the number of people visiting for meditation. If you want to find more about this story, visit the website of Province Tourisme.
#2 Provins Region
CHURCH OF SAINT-LOUP-DE-NAUD
It is located eight kilometers from Provins. It was built in Romanesque style and entirely restored in 2017.
After the history that this church can offer you, take some time and walk through the village called ‘Village of Character.’
CHAPELLE DE LOURPS
If you love seeing murals, this is the right place—murals dating from the 13th and 15th of century.
Before, this magnificent place was attached to the adjacent castle and served a hamlet whose houses disappeared during the 19th century.
This place is 15 minutes far from Provins by car. If you are not lazy, hit the road, and shortly you will be enjoying the view.
#3 Countryside activities
Hiking
Hiking could be one of the fun things to do if you are visiting this region with friends or family. Can you imagine a nice walk in the middle of France, chatting with your favorite people about plans or experiences you have just been through?
The Rose Garden
I missed this beautiful escape, but when I found out about it, I wanted to share this with you. There you can find out everything about 450 varieties of roses.
There, you can enjoy the beautiful garden and eat ice cream. You can book a tour, learn more about this stunning flower, and see the 3.5ha Park.
C215 – Street Art in Provins
This Art you can find in the upper town and the city center. You can see 21 portraits made by the street art artist C215.
The code C215 is a code that most influential street artists use in France.
Provins Shows
There are a few different shows you can watch. I watched all three shows:
- ‘The Eagles of the Ramparts’
- ‘The Legend of The Nights’
- Swords and Dungeon
- Those shows are something I do not want to miss. Even if I did not understand French, most of it, I understated the story. The atmosphere and feelings of those animals were irreplaceable.
Banquet of the Troubadours
I missed this experience because it was fully booked, and I regret it. The Banquet is about a medieval way of dining and celebration. Shows take you to 12th-century dinner, where you can show up in a costume from that time and feel compostable.
Between dishes, you can enjoy, as they call “desserts’, the best troubadours in the country who will entertain you just like in those times.
#4 More Countryside Attractions
I hope you have been inspired to visit the countryside of France. There are more places to visit and activities to experience.
If you plan to visit Provins, visit the website of Provins Tourisme for plenty of information. If you have more questions or ideas, please leave the comment below to post.
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