Bike Tour to Provins
The day starts in the town of Nangis, whose history stretches from the Roman era to the time of Napoléon when his army fought a major battle near here. We'll continue on through several quaint villages that are typical of the Brie region and which are all defined by their gothic churches and heritage.
Each has a little history to share and all exude bucolic charm. Between villages the agricultural countryside stretches before us and reminds the visitor of the reason why France is referred to as the breadbasket of Europe.
There are several quaint villages we'll ride through along the way.
And some tranquil countryside.
After our visits of villages and countryside it is time for the grand destination of Provins, one of the most powerful and important of the great fair towns of medieval times. Starting in the 11th century the local counts, who were astute businessmen, sought to establish an economic trading post and took advantage of the towns geographic position on the trade routes between Italy and Flanders and eventually created a town of such wealth that it even minted its own currency. While its fame and wealth only lasted a few centuries its legacy lives on as one of the best preserved medieval towns in all of France, earning it the distinction of being selected a UNESCO world heritage site. It still retains a good portion of its medieval ramparts, towers and gates as well as numerous well preserved buildings, including an imposing donjon/keep. It also hosts numerous spectacles such as falconry and horsemanship shows, jousting and demostrations of medieval siege weaponry. If you are seeking to visit an authentic medieval town that evokes the image of lords and ladies then Provins is the place for you.
Starting the Day - We start the day meeting at the bike rental store and then ride through Paris to the train station Gare de l'Est. We take the bikes on the train to Nangis and start the ride. At the end of the ride we take the train back from Provins to Gare de l'Est and then ride to the rental store to return the bikes.
Tour Cost: 275€ - This is the price for your group, not a per person cost.
Additional Costs: Train Ticket – 16.60€pp (unless you have a transportation pass covering zone 5) + Bike Rental – 30€pp
Total round trip train time: 2-1/4 hours
Touring Time: 5 to 6 hours
Total Tour Time: 7 to 8 hours
Distance: 40km / 25 miles
Level of Difficulty: Moderate. There are a few hills with ascent times of 5-10 minutes each but much of the ride is on flat terrain. However, this ride is best suited for those who are fit and ride regularly.