The best running trails around Aiglemont

This artwork is a result of a number of organisations working together, and was revealed in October 2011. Michel Goulet, the sculptor from Québec, made these eighteen 'chair-poems' in stainless steel as a link between the Musée Arthur Rimbaud and the Maison d'Ailleurs. Here, there are eighteen extracts from Rimbaud's works, each one followed by an unpublished poem by a contemproary Francophone writer. Vandaag staan deze stoelen er niet meer.

The Arthur Rimbaud Museum is located in the Vieux Moulin, the old mill listed as a monument, built in 1626. This mill then supplied the city with flour, but it is also the highlight of the monumental perspective that extends from Rue Saint-Charles to the Maas leads - that is why he designed this remarkable architecture with the pediment and the Charleville coat of arms supported by a colossal order of Ionic columns. This monument, also called the Porte de Liège, together with the Porte de France, forms the city's ramparts in a symmetrical manner. Behind it runs the Meuse and the island of the vieux Moulin. On the other bank, a castle was built on Mont Olympe in the 17th century to protect the city.

The Île du Vieux Moulin, or the Island of the Old Mill, is a beautiful park located on the River Meuse, between the city center and Mont Olympe. This island offers a relaxation area at the foot of the Rimbaud Museum. You can enjoy a walk at the viewpoint which offers a pleasant view of the Meuse and the water sports center on one side, and a rest and relaxation area on the other side with benches and the sculpture “Le Défrichement”, originally 2 ox drivers depicted pulling a plow pulled by 6 oxen. Only part of the original work remains (inaugurated in 1931) which was looted and destroyed during the occupation. The island is connected to Mont Olympe by a pedestrian bridge inaugurated in September 1934. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, with stunning views of an unspoilt natural landscape in the middle of the city.

The bright colors of the local materials can be seen on the facades that were previously painted: yellow for the natural stone from Dom-le-Mesnil, red for the bricks and purple-white for the Ardennes slate. The whole falls under monument protection.

Place Ducale is the central and historic main square of Charleville, the northern part of Charleville-Mézières. The square is a copy of the Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. The only big difference is that the square in Paris was designed by Louis Métezeau and that of Charleville by Clément Métezeau, so brothers. The square is a feast for the eyes with 28 monumental buildings, built in the same Baroque style. In the center of the square there is a fountain and a classic merry-go-round. The Place Ducale became the beating heart of the city and still is. The symmetrical lines, the chessboard pattern, the arcades and the facades in red and yellow stone now regularly form the backdrop to events for which the city is known. The square was founded by its ambitious founder, the Italian prince Charles de Gonzague, who had a completely new city built in the 17th century. The square is 126 by 90 meters and the current buildings on the edge of the square all date from the 17th century.

Feel free to take a seat and let your mind wander through the inspiring seating surfaces.

From the banks of the Meuse canal a beautiful viewpoint opens onto the Porte de Bourgogne. This is part of the city walls which overlook the canal. It was built between 1591 and 1593 and rehabilitated by Vauban from 1675 to 1698.

Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières is the nerve center of the city. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, this square has a decor similar to the Place des Vosges in Paris. In fact, it was two architect brothers, Louis and Clément Métezeau, who designed these places with their unique charms. Surrounded by pavilions and arcades, the square today brings together tourists and locals to café terraces.