City walk Charleville-Mézières: fortified town, doll town but above all ...

On 6 May 1606, the 26th anniversary of his birth, Charles de Gonzague , Duke of Nevers and Rethel, decided to build a new city. He baptized it with his name two years later, on 23 April 1608: Charles-ville.

Although fortified, it left the military role to its older neighbour, Mézières.

In order to develop, the new city had to acquire the status of an important trading centre and become a meeting place for traders from France and Northern Europe. Charleville quickly became the new economic centre of the Ardennes at the expense of Sedan . In 1688, the royal arms factory was opened in Charleville. Various monastic orders settled in the city. In the 19th century, industry emerged outside the old centre.

Charleville and Mézières merged in 1966 and Mount Olympus (196 m) dominates the entity as the Meuse crosses it.

The walk starts in Charleville at the Jacques-Felix car park , but the walk also passes the station, which can serve as a starting point.

We first walk to the île du vieux moulin along the Musée Arthur Rimbaud, one of the most important poets of France.

We soon arrive at the monumental Place Ducale with, among other things, the fountain and the belfry, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

It now goes in a long 'straight' line to Mézières, which is mainly reminiscent of the fortified town with the Tour Milard and the Tour du Roy.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame-d'Espérance, a cathedral for one day in 1570 to bless the marriage of the King of France, is a masterpiece of the Flamboyant Gothic style.

The Place d'hotel de ville is simply impressive! Along the Meuse and the Porte de Bourgogne we arrive at the Prefecture.

We return to Charleville passing the station with its park, up to the Square Place Chruchill. This district is dedicated to art and culture, known for the world festival of puppet theatres .

We pass the Eglise Saint-Remi where the rose window of the portal attracts attention.

The Saint-Sépulcre district also has its own(characteristic) history.

Be sure to also consult the information about the sights once you are there . They will explain what you will see!

03/2023