Trip to France (#11)

Provins

Not one of the premier tourist destinations in France, Provins is a step back to the Middle Ages.  In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Earls of Champagne made this fortified city their capital, well situated on the way to the Far East. Provins became very wealthy from the merchant activities, bankers, spice trade and the largest cloth fairs in Europe. It has also been said that Thibaud de Champagne brought back the rose flower from Damascus and introduced it here, so Provins might be a very romantic spot to boot.

 Tour Cesar (Caesar's Tower) was built in the beginning of the 12th century (maybe even 1100) as a symbol of the Counts of Champagne's power. Once used as a lookout tower, it was also a prison and a money mint. The views from the top of the tower is nice, offering a 360 degree view of Provins. The steps leading to the tower are very narrow.