Charlemont to Givet

Sa colossal silhouette stands out in the sky of Givet and imposes. For 500 years, Charlemont, erected on a rocky outcrop on the left bank of the Meuse, protects this border town with Belgium.

This fortress was built by order of Charles Quint which gave it its name: Charlemont, le Mont de Charles. Givet then belonged to the Spanish Netherlands and was on the borders of the kingdom of France and the episcopal principality of Liège.

Vauban, General Serré rivers will then come to improve it until the 18^e century with major fortification projects, some vestiges of which remain to be seen in and around town. The entrenched camp of Mont d'Haurs and the Grégoire tower. The fort will be transformed into a commando training center on the 20^e century.

Today, this remarkable monument also protects a rich natural heritage since it is in the heart of the Pointe de Givet nature reserve. It is home to many fauna and flora species: white mugwort and monkey orchis, red-backed shrike and lulu lark, amphibians, lizards, butterflies, or even bats including the Greater Horseshoe Bat. 

Grand panorama

The panorama over the Meuse is spectacular from Charlemont. Open to visit, Charlemont can be discovered independently thanks to a marked trail or by guided tour during the season. Since this summer, visit also in small tourist train. A game booklet and a fun application (Baludik) are also available. 

Charlemont

New in 2023: Accro commando

Charlemont is getting into commando time with this new "addicted commando" activity.

Inspired by the trials of the former commando training center, here is the program: 180m zip line, tree climbing, 21m jump in the void (damped), crawling in the mud…. all with “military” coaching.

Get started!

To discover "Commando-style Charlemont” on the blog “Our inspirations”.

To register, it's HERE

David Truillard

The right plan

Why not take advantage of your visit to relax and admire Charlemont from the cruise ship Le Charlemagne.

A cruise, a meal cruise or even a musical getaway… It's up to you!

Also discover the other must-see culture and heritage

War and Peace Museum

The fortified churches of Thiérache

Rocroi, the starry city

Mouzon, a small city of character