Fortifications de Mézières

Housed in a meander of the Meuse, the city is the first of the two cities to see the light of day. Mézières built its commercial reputation throughout the Middle Ages from the exodus of Liège merchants from the XNUMXth century.
In 1521, Charles V attempted to enter the Kingdom of France before being arrested in Mézières by the famous Knight Bayard sent by King François 1st.
The King then ordered the strengthening of the protections of the city with the construction of the Milard and Du Roy towers (still visible today).
The city asserts itself as a strategic place for the defense of the kingdom on the border. The city was honored in 1570 and hosted the wedding of the King of France Charles IX who married Elisabeth of Austria in the current Basilica. At the end of the wars of religion, Mézières was partially destroyed after the installation of the French Catholic league then cornered by the Protestants, leaving the field open for the construction of the Charleville project initiated by Charles de Gonzague. Its future then became military (XNUMXth century) then administrative and notarial (XNUMXth century).
In each of the stones of Mézières is inscribed a moment in the history of France. The beginning of the XNUMXth century brings magnificent Art Deco constructions. Mézières is charming by its composite style, radiant and charming.