BURNT HOUSES
On leaving we may see, if we look behind us, the line of heights running eastwards from Courtacon to Esternay, and on which were established the German positions when Franchet d'Esperey's army began its offensive.
We arrive without difficulty at Provins (44 km.) after a zigzagging descent, which gives us a charming view of the town (see pp. [128]-[129]).
PROVINS
- N.-D. du Val.
- St. Quiriace.
- Cæsar's Tower.
GENERAL VIEW OF PROVINS
The Upper Town of Provins dates from the Gallo-Roman period. In the third century a "castrum" was established there on the hill. The Roman general Probus, afterwards emperor, halted there about the year 271, and caused the walls of the fortress to be repaired. Domitien had forbidden the cultivation of the vine in Gaul, but Probus, during his sojourn at Provins, abolished this prohibition, and thus won the gratitude of the inhabitants. This fact has given rise to one of the versions of the origin of the word "Provins," which is supposed to mean "the vine of Probus."