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Top 10 Things to do in Charleville-Mézières

Charleville-Mézières is a town in northern France along the banks of the Meuse River. Charleville and Mézières were initially separated river  they were about a mile apart.

Charleville was founded by Charles Gonzaga in 1606, its centrepiece is the Place Ducale, a fine example of early 17th-century classical French architecture.

Mézières, on the other hand, was under the archbishops of Reims and then passed to the counts of Rethel in the 10th century. It got fortified in the 16^th century and fought off the Holy Roman Empire through its two heroes Pierre du Terrail, seigneur du Bayard.

Traces of the damage suffered in Mézières during the World Wars I and II can be found on the right bank or the Meuse.

It is a city of art and history that hosts the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes (The International Festival of Puppetry) every two years. It is also home to one of the puppetry schools in the world.

Here are the top 10 things to do in Charleville-Mézières

1. Place Ducale

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Place Ducale was inspired by the in Paris. Place Ducale was a stopover for the European trade that passed along the river daily. Charleville-Mézières eventually became the ideal city for commercial trade.

It has perfect to chill spots with plenty of restaurants and bars. You can stroll the square taking in the detailed architecture and the water fountain in the middle. It also offers a nice photo backdrop.

2. Notre-Dame’Espérance Basilica of Charleville-Mézières

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The Notre-Dame’Espérance basilica is located in Charleville-Mézières in the Ardennes department.

This church also known as our lady of hope dates back to 1156 with the construction of a chapel. Then in 1267, the first parish church was built to replace the chapel.

This Gothic-style church was later built in 1499. The bell tower was later installed in the 17^th century.

The interior is fitted with stunning ornaments of modern stained-glass windows made between 1954 and 1979 the works of painter René Dürrbach.

3. Take a tour of the Arthur Rimbaud Museum in Charleville-Mezieres

This museum is dedicated to the poet Arthur Rimbaud, it opened its doors in 2015 to pay homage to the poet. It is in a former mill of the 17^th century, along the banks of river Meuse.
Next to the museum is the house where the poet grew up, and hosts the Maison des Ailleurs. In the museum, you will see photographs were taken by the poet, personal effects and other tools used by the poet, telling his life story and work as an artist.

While in the attic, you will get a chance to listen to some of his poetic pieces.

4. Visit the Museum of the Ardennes

It is located at the pavilion of Place Ducale and has a number of exhibits that tell the history of the Ardennes and Charleville-Mézières.

A tour of this facility will take you on a  journey through time from prehistory to the eve of World War I explained through the artifacts in the museum.

You will learn about the Gaul village of Acy-Romance, get interesting facts about Charleville and Mézières in the 17th century through maps and scale-models.

You will also get the opportunity to see the world through the marionette collection.

5. A glimpse of industrial Charleville-Meziere at La Macérienne factory

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This factory was founded in 1894 by Adolphe Clement, an entrepreneur who had an interest in the transport industry.

During the war period, the factory switched from manufacturing tricycles to making bombs and shells for the war. It went back to its original production after the war. A tour of the facility brings to mind the importance of trade and movement to these twin cities.

6. Watch the Great Puppeteer Show

Photo credit, Lena Lensen from Pixabay.

There are hourly shows held in the square. It is located near the Place Ducale, between the Ardennes museum and the International Puppetry Institute.

The animated clock tells in twelve episodes the local legend of the Four Sons Aymon. The giant with agile fingers shows every hour from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For a complete show, make your way there on a Saturday at 9:15 p.m.

7. Le Vieux Moulin

The restaurant used to be a former mill that was located at the entrance of the village in the 17^th century. It was renovated and now presents a modern feeling in a historic setting.

The restaurant is owned by Frédéric Rossi, who is passionate about cooking and interior design. This can be seen through his creativity displaying simplicity and warmth.

The restaurant serves traditional cuisine with a mix of simplicity and sophistication, a reflection of flavors, fragrances and colors of cuisine from the Midi and Italy.

The menu at the restaurant is based on quality traditional and seasonal.

8. Spend some time at Parc du Mont Olympe

This park is a walking distance from Place Ducale offering open spaces for leisure activities, relaxation or a stroll.  The park has different sections that will draw your attention.

There are several activity options to choose from such as a nautical base, an aquatic center, playgrounds, a marina, a municipal campsite and a park accessible to all.

There are remains of a fortress that was built by Charles de Gonzague at the park.

9. Go for a tour at Mézières’ Fortifications

The walls at Mézières were constructed on order by the King to strengthen the city’s protections. The Milard and Du Roy towers are still visible today.

This historic site is a clear depiction of the city’s strategic position during the war. A close look at the stones will reveal an inscription of French history.

There are arranged tours to the walls where they share the tales of the half-century-old fort.

10.   Terraltitude Adventure Park

While on vacation with the kids, fun active activities are always welcome to entertain them. A visit to this in Charleville-Mezieres has activities for everyone.

There are zip lines, biking trails, tree climbing, bungee jumping, paintball etcetera. An experience to cherish as you have fun and enjoying nature.