The History of France and Local History ...

Provins seems to have existed since the beginning of the modern age. But we find no written confirmation of the town's importance until the year 802 when Charlemagne sent Etienne, Count of Paris, and Fardufle, abbot of Saint-Denis to Provins as his " missi dominici " that. This period coincides with the earliest military architecture in Provins. 

In 996, during the reign of Hugues Capet, the remains of Saint Ayoul were miraculously discovered in the Lower Town. A number of religious buildings were erected on the site of this discovery, and the marshland was completely drained.This period marked the beginnings of the Counts of Vermandois, a branch of which family subsequently gave rise to the Counts of Champagne.The town's influence was at its highest point during the 12th and 13th centuries, the time of the celebrated Champagne Fairs. Famed for its troubadours, safe behind its fortified walls, Provins was a wealthy and much envied commercial town. A great variety of products from all over Europe were traded there: wool, cloth, wine, furs, dyes, jewellery... Provins even minted its own coinage, and the Provins penny (denier provinois) was recognized and accepted throughout France.

The town was at the height of its fame during the reign of Thibaud IV of Champagne (1201 - 1253), vassal of the French Kings Philippe Auguste (1165 - 1223) and Saint Louis (1214 - 1270). Count Thibaud of Champagne was a poet and warrior who took part in a number of sieges. When King Louis XI was crowned in 1226, Thibaud left the army to join Blanche of Castile, his legendary lady-love (whose existence, in spite of persistent rumours, remains unconfirmed by any text). His relationship with the Queen-regent was a succession of disputes and collusions.
In 1230 the Picardy army attacked Provins. To save the town from imminent defeat, Count Thibaud rode out of Provins alone and challenged the Picardy leader Philippe de Hurepel to single combat. Thibaud won the ensuing tourney, which had the town's safekeeping as its prize.
In 1233 Thibaud, Count of Champagne, was crowned King of Navarre.
In 1239 Thibaud left on Crusade. He returned to Provins with the famous Damascus rose, which subsequently gave rise to many different French and European roses.

During the second half of the 13th century the Flanders and Rhine Valley Fairs became increasingly important. Their rivalry with the Champagne Fairs and the ensuing decline of the town's economy foreshadowed the waning of the Counts' power. In 1279 the Mayor of Provins, Guillaume Pentecôte, had to increase the length of the working day by one hour. The mayor was subsequently murdered during the revolt that followed his decision, and as part of the punishment inflicted on Provins the town lost most of its riches.Moreover, the Count's only heir - Jeanne of Navarre - married Philippe IV Le Bel, and therefore on her death the Champagne region became part of the royal domain.During the 12th century part of the Roman de Renard was written in the Provins area.The 13th century Count Thibaud IV of Champagne, known as " the songster ", was recognized as one of the greatest poets of his day.

Many famous authors have passed through Provins and written of the town and its ruins: Victor Hugo, Honoré de Balzac, Prosper Mérimé, Jules Cousin, Marcel Proust (possibly), Paul Fort, Umberto Eco...