26December2025
From 6 € / adult

Visite guidée de Mézières aux flambeaux en hiver

The medieval town by torchlight
Friday December 26
Place de la Basilique – Parvis de la Basilique 08000 CHARLEVILLE MEZIERES
21:00 p.m. on the forecourt of the Basilica of Our Lady of Hope
It is a small old town, nestled on a hill in one of the loops of the Meuse. I want to talk about the small town of Mézières.

Enter through the Porte de Bourgogne, walk along the Tour Millard and enter the Tour du Roy, which has just been renovated. Let yourself be carried away by the citadel of Mézières, housed in the heart of one of the meanders of the Meuse, the cradle of a very active trade. Listen! You may be able to hear the merchants and traders of the city, you are in their court!
Inspect all around you, the remains of a prosperous medieval city that time has never spared.

Come and meet the Chevalier Bayard, who is waiting for you there, at the very top of his base. Heroes of stories that soldiers content themselves with to distract boredom. Bayard who defends Mézières with a master hand against the imperial troops of Charles V, in 1521.
However, this siege of 1521 had a heavy impact on the development of the city. It demonstrates the importance of this fortified city for the defense of the kingdom of France. Mézières remains enclosed in its ramparts, limiting the numerous possibilities of trade.

And with the creation of Charleville, the ideal city wanted by Charles de Gonzague, the possibilities are still dwindling. Mézières sees its population decrease, Charles condemned it!

But beware, Mézières does not fall that easily!

The city today conceals many treasures. The Basilica of Notre Dame d'Espérance, in Flamboyant Gothic style, which saw the marriage of King Charles IX of France and Elisabeth of Austria. But also these extraordinary stained glass windows which are made by the painter and sculptor René Dürrbach, collaborator and friend of Picasso, not to mention its remarkable organs.
And recently, the sacred art treasure of the Ardennes has also been installed in Mézières. In the former sacristy of Notre Dame, precious objects, jewels of religious art testify to the know-how of craftsmen from the XNUMXth century to the XNUMXth century in the department.

Finally, I won't even tell you about its absolutely remarkable art deco district! This will be the subject of another visit!



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Themes:

  • History

All dates and times

Opening hours on December 26, 2025
FridayOpen

Pricing

PricingMin.Max.
Other experience
5 €Not disclosed
Adult rate
6 €Not disclosed

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Address

Place de la Basilique – Parvis de la Basilique
08000 CHARLEVILLE MEZIERES
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