Located in the region of Champagne-Ardenne in France, the city of Charleville is perched on the banks of the Meuse River in the northern part of the country. The city is also commonly referred to as Charleville-Mezieres, due to the 1966 grouping of five formerly separate communes.

Notably, the renowned poet Arthur Rimbaud (1854-1891) was born here, and today the Musee Rimbaud is located in Le Vieux Moulin – an impressive old stone windmill located in the northern part of town. Here, visitors can peruse facsimiles of the poet’s writings, photos and other related documents, but perhaps most interesting is the location – just down the quayside – where he penned Le Bateau Ivre, arguably Rimbaud’s most famous poem.

The Place Ducale in the centre of Charleville is the result of the concerted efforts of a local duke during the 17th century and his attempts to emulate the Place des Vosges in Paris. Today, the area has a charming, provincial feel despite its posh shops, arcades and impressive setting.