Provins

It rained off and on overnight which meant we were awake for a good part of the storms. The  morning, though, was pleasant even if a little overcast. 

A slower morning whilst catching up with some house work before heading off to Coulommiers. 

In the 11th and 12th century, the village of Coulommiers was built along the Grand Morin. Tanneries along the Grand Morin became the economic heart of the town - and this remained so for over 800 years, with the last tannery closing in 1934. In the 17th century a castle was built but suffered during the Revolution! Today the beautiful Capuchins Garden are on the land where the castle formerly stood. 

After spending time in Coulommiers we drove on to Provins, a World Heritage site, where we stopped for lunch and a visit. We arrived on a day when nearly all the schools in the district we on an excursion. Over 2000 school children were here for a day’s outing before their term finishes. They are so fortunate to have a site like this to visit on a day like this. 

We wandered, look and clicked!  Provins, a medieval village, became famous during the Middle Ages as a vital trading route within Europe. The Earls of Champagne became very powerful due to their family controlling these lands. Today the remaining section of the walled city gives us a glimpse of the protection provided for villages at that the time. 

Later we drove further south to Gron where we stayed the night.