CharlevilleMézières2

Charleville-Mézières is a commune in northeastern France, located in the Ardennes department, of which it is the prefecture. It is situated on the Meuse River, approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Paris. The commune was formed in 1966 through the merger of the towns of Charleville and Mézières, along with the communes of Montcy-Saint-Pierre and Étion.

Charleville-Mézières boasts a rich history, with Mézières being a fortified city and a significant strategic point for centuries. Charleville, founded in the 17th century by Charles I Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua and Nevers, became a model city with a planned urban layout. The city is renowned for its puppet theater tradition, hosting the biannual International Puppet Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Key landmarks include the Place Ducale in Charleville, a beautiful 17th-century square inspired by the Place de Vosges in Paris, and the Citadel of Mézières, a historical fortress. The town also features the Rimbaud Museum, dedicated to the famous poet Arthur Rimbaud, who was born in Charleville. The economy of the area is influenced by its historical industrial past, particularly in metalworking, and more recently by tourism and services. The commune serves as an administrative and commercial center for the Ardennes region.