Sprawling on the banks of the Meuse River, Charleville-Mezieres is a historic French town that has been nicknamed the “World Capital of Puppetry Arts” due to its international puppet festival. It comprises the once-separate communities of Charleville (founded in 1606 by Charles Gonzaga) and Mezieres, with its combination of medieval and Art Deco buildings.
Things to do in Charleville-Mézières
In the heart of Charleville-Mezieres is Place Ducale, an early Baroque square that’s centred around an ornamental fountain and surrounded by alfresco cafes. On one corner of the square is the Musée de l’Ardenne, which explores the history of the region. In addition to Gallo-Roman artefacts, paintings and vintage military equipment, the museum exhibits an impressive collection of antique puppets.
Occupying a 17th-century mill overlooking the Meuse River is the Musée Arthur Rimbaud, which details the life and work of the French poet. It houses artefacts related to his travels in Africa, as well as reproductions of manuscripts reflecting his creative genius. The museum also pays tribute to 20th-century artists who were influenced by Rimbaud, including Max Ernst and Alberto Giacometti.
On the opposite shore of the Meuse River is Parc du Mont Olympe, a 14-hectare green space that was once topped by a centuries-old fortress. It features children’s playgrounds, an aquatic centre and picturesque walking trails, as well as a seasonally-inspired floral clock. From the hilltop Belvédère de Charleville, there are elevated views across the town.
Getting around Charleville-Mézières
Charleville-Mezieres is around an hour’s drive from Reims and 2.5 hours from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Charleville-Mezieres railway station while buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Charleville-Mezieres can easily be explored on foot.