Tour César, Provins

Saturday
Roger, Laura and I had a great day out today at the historic medieval market town of Provins. However, appearances can be deceptive, as despite the gorgeous clear blue sky and sunshine, it was a very cold day, partly due to a biting cold wind.
Provins was a wealthy and much envied commercial town in medieval times, safe behind its fortified walls. It was especially important during the 12th and 13th centuries, the time of the celebrated Champagne Fairs. Provins stood at the junction of many routes, and drew traders from all over Europe. Provins even minted its own coinage, and the denier provinois (Provins’ penny) was recognized and accepted throughout medieval Europe.
Caesar's tower, depicted in my blip, was built between 1152 and 1181, under the reign of Henry the Liberal, in its current situation within the first curtain wall. Originally, the tower was not covered. The roof, the pepper-boxes and the framework were added between the 16th and the 18th century. The Caesar’s Tower is an outstanding illustration of the history of medieval military architecture and served as a watchtower and a prison. It also affords some lovely views over the town and surrounding countryside.
In the evening we were out at a church fund-raising event - a musical quizz night, with food. You were given a sticker as you arrived, assigning you to a particular team, so we didn't stay together as a family, which is probably just as well, as if it had been by family groups we would have been pretty abysmal! Whilst there was a range of questions, it was more geared to younger generations. I was able to answer some of the classical music questions, but there weren't too many of them! Even songs from the late sixties and 70s which I recognized, I often couldn't put a name to or name the group. However, it wasn't winning that was important. We had a good time, and the event was very well attended, so should have raised some money for various charities that the church supports.