Rocroi

Rocroi is a commune in the Ardennes department in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. It lies in a hilly landscape near the border with Belgium and is renowned for its 17th-century fortifications that encircle the town.

Rocroi's fortifications date from the early modern period when border towns in this region were fortified to withstand military campaigns during the wars of the 17th century. The settlement gained lasting historical prominence for the Battle of Rocroi in May 1643, a decisive French victory during the Thirty Years' War that is commonly viewed as the turning point diminishing Spanish dominance in the region.

Today, the citadel and ramparts form a prominent feature of Rocroi. The historic core preserves stone houses around a central square, reflecting a rural-aristocratic townscape and attracting visitors interested in military history and regional heritage.

Rocroi remains a small rural community. Its economy centers on local services, agriculture, and tourism connected to its fortifications, the battle legacy, and the surrounding Ardennes countryside.