About
Charleville-Mézières is a city in the Ardennes region of northeastern France, close to the Belgian border. It is best known as the birthplace of the poet Arthur Rimbaud, and as the home of the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, the world's largest puppetry festival.
What to see
The historic heart of the city is Place Ducale, a square of 17th-century architecture often described as a smaller version of Paris's Place des Vosges. Its arcaded façades give the square a formal, harmonious feel, and it is a pleasant place to begin a walk around the centre.
Why visit
- Literary connections: the city is Rimbaud's birthplace, so it suits visitors interested in his life and work.
- Puppetry: the international puppetry festival gives the city a distinctive cultural character, especially for those who enjoy theatre.
- Architecture: the Place Ducale and its surroundings reward an unhurried stroll.
- A base for the region: Charleville-Mézières serves as a gateway to the wider Ardennes, a quiet area of forests, rivers and villages.
Visitors who come for the festival should check its dates in advance, as the city is busiest then. Outside those days, Charleville-Mézières offers a calmer visit, with its square, its literary heritage and the surrounding countryside as the main attractions.