Biking through the Brie to Provins

[Darcy]

What a lovely daytrip! As Jody said, I was also very interested in your pics of Provins. An exalt from me as well.

[frenchmystiquetour]

Hi Shoesy - Provins is one of my favorite day trips outside Paris. It's got all kinds of medieval demonstrations and shows that kids love and its got great historical buildings and cafes and restaurants for adults. A little something for everyone and the atmosphere is just so pleasant. I find the amount of tourists there to be just right to make it lively but never crowded. And only 21 euros round trip from Paris.

Hi Jody - I'll be looking forward to meeting you and the other folks at the GTG in October. Will Michael be joining us for that? I've heard many people say what a great tour guide he is.

[frenchmystiquetour]

Hi Darcy - Oops. I missed noticing your comment. Thank you for the exalt. Funny story about the exalt/smite buttons. When I joined the forum I didn't know what those buttons were for and I kept pressing them to see what happened. If you or anyone else noticed your karma decreasing around the time I joined, then I'm sorry about that. Whoops!

[sunshine817]

Provins is one of our favorites, too -- we're close enough that on a slow Sunday, we sometimes go just to do something.

Even when they had their Medieval Festival in June, it was very busy, but at no time did I have that feeling of "get me out of here!" that I do with other touristy places. They give a hefty discount for those who come to see the fun in medieval dress, so the whole place very much takes on an air much like I imagine it would have had during the Champagne fairs of the 13th century.

Very little is truly schlock -- and the shows are very well done.

I knew most of the little towns you rode through -- not all, but most.

[frenchmystiquetour]

More biking adventures to come in that region. There's still Vaux le Vicomte, Brie Comte Robert, Melun and Fontainebleau.

I think Blandy, Châmpeaux, St. Méry and Donnemarie-Dontilly were my favorites but they were all charming in that cute little rural town kind of way.

To anyone else who reads my report and leaves a nice comment I thank you in advance. I am leaving tomorrow for a 1 week vacation in Brittany and I will have either limited or no internet access. How ever will I survive without the internet for a whole week? I will have one very long (and hopefully very interesting) trip report to post when I come back.

[holger]

Looking forward to your report on Brittany. We won't be biking but will have a car. And along with sites and sights, eating shell fish, etc. will be a major pleasure.

[Katharine]

Hello friend, and thanks so much for taking me on a ride through the Brie country. I had no idea I was going to undertake that today - glad I ate my Wheaties. Seriously, what a lovely ride. It did not look to be too intense in terms of hills. If (when) I return to France, let's be sure to include it.

I agree that Donnemarie-Dontilly was my favorite - I mean, 2 churches. You know me - never met a church I didn't love.

Sorry that Mrs. Mystique didn't join you. Soon though, very soon. Hope she is well, and I know from this report that you are fit as a fiddle.

I am busy with Italy (piddling is more like it), and the Piedmont is in the itinerary.

Take care and enjoy your days. You never seem to lack for places to go; thanks for taking me along.

XO

KH

[frenchmystiquetour]

Glad you two enjoyed the ride (Katharine and Holger). Just doing some last minute e-mails before I head out the door. Yay!