PROVINS, a town of northern France, capital of an arron dissement of the department of Seine-et-Marne, at the junction of the Durtain with the Voulzie (an affluent of the Seine), 59 m. E.S.E. of Paris by rail. Pop. (1931) 7,457. Provins began to figure in history in the 9th century. Passing from the counts of Vermandois to the counts of Champagne, it quickly became pros perous. Cloth and leather were its staple manufactures, and its fairs were attended by traders from all parts of Europe, through out which its money had currency. Plague and famine reduced the population in the 14th century and the Hundred Years' War completed its ruin. During the religious wars it sided with the Catholic party and the League, and Henry IV. obtained possession of it in 1592 only after thirteen days' siege. The town has mineral waters which contain iron, lime and carbonic acid, and also a trade in roses. Provins is divided into two quarters—the Ole haute and the less ancient ville-basse—which in the 13th century were surrounded by fortifications. In the ville-haute stands the large tower known as the king's, Caesar's or the prisoners' tower, a very curious 12th century keep. The base is surrounded by a
thick mound of masonry added by the English in the 15th century when they held the town. The tower serves as belfry to the church of St. Quiriace, which dates from the 12th century. The palace of the counts of Champagne, some fragments of which also belong to the 12th century, is occupied by the communal college. The old tithe-barn is a building of the 13th century with two fine vaulted chambers, one of which is below ground. The church of St. Ayoul dates from the 12th to the 16th centuries, the transept being oldest ; it is dilapidated and the choir is used as a storehouse. St. Croix belongs partly to the 13th century. There is a sub prefecture and a tribunal of commerce. There is an active trade in grain, livestock and wool, and the industries include nursery gardening, brickmaking and the manufacture of porcelain, gas and petrol engines, agricultural implements and sugar.