Carolingian wonder of 17e century, nerve center of the Ardennes, the ducal square alone is worth coming to Charleville-Mezieres, labeled City of art and history since 2013.
Started in 1606 by the architect Clement Metezeau, it is a centerpiece of the foundation of Charles-Ville, the dream city of Charles of Gonzaga (1580-1637), Duke of Nevers and Rethel, future Prince of Arches, of Porcien, future Duke of Mantua (Italy) and Monferrat.
Take a good look at this sister of the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris, the work of Clément's brother, Louis Metezeau. Like many Royal squares of this period, harmony and symmetry presided over its design. Look for the number four and you will find it easily: four sides of the square of course, but also four pavilions, windows, streets… But also in the streets and the districts behind the arcades again. A guided tour with theCharleville-Sedan Tourist Office will tell you more about it.
In the sun or in the rain, this sublime setting sparkles with its colors of ocher (Dom stone), red (brick) and gray (the rich slate of the North Ardennes).
A fabulous stage for many events
A fabulous stage for the many events that take place there throughout the year. Markets, concerts, World Festival of Puppet Theaters, Fete de la Biere, brotherhoods, Ducal Beach… It is also an excellent meeting place for a convivial moment on its terraces or even a starting point for various circuits: sporty towards the Greenway, bucolic (garden, Mont-Olympe), cultural (the route Rimbaud), or simply for a moment of shopping in the shops of the town centre. Non-exhaustive list of ideas.
Pratical information
Access
Did you know?
Place Ducale is becoming a pedestrian area to better accommodate you. The pedestrianization will take place in two phases starting in 2025:
- In April : pedestrianization on weekends from Friday 18 p.m. to Monday morning at 6 a.m.
- From May 2 to September 28: complete pedestrianization seven days a week
On site
