Merchants from all over Europe and the Orient came to Provins to do business in its busy streets and squares. Provins medieval town had an urban layout built to host fairs and related activities. Provins’ medieval past is still palpable in the town, with its winding streets and half-timbered houses. While other European towns or city-fairs were located close to a sea or river harbor, Provins’ location was very central but in the middle of nowhere. The Cité Médiévale de Provins is a town located 90km southeast of Paris, well known for its medieval fairs. A long time ago, Provins was the capital of the powerful Counts of Champagne. Thanks to the Counts’ protection and Provins’ strategic position, the town became one of the main actors in the early development of international trade fairs and the wool industry in Europe during the 11th and 13th centuries.