Charleville and Mézières were originally separate communities on opposite banks of the Meuse, about a mile distant from one another. Charleville was founded by Charles Gonzaga, the 8th duke of Mantua, in 1606. Its inhabitants were known as Carolopolitans. It was prosperous from the 17th century, although its fortifications were dismantled under LouisXIV in 1687 and it passed into French hands in 1708. It was plundered by the Prussians in 1815. France's royal armaments factory was formerly located there and gave its name to the Charleville musket, before being relocated and divided between Tulle and Châtellerault. In the 19th century, the city continued to produce arms through private firms, as well as nails, hardware, wine, spirits, coal, iron, and slate. It boasted a spacious port, a theatre, a large public library, and a museum of natural history. The inhabitants of Mézières were known as Macerians. By the mid-19th century, the two towns were linked by a suspension bridge. The present commune was established in 1966. Another commune, Le Theux, had already been merged into Mézières in 1965. It has a population of about 51,000.
Climate
With an annual average of 9°C, Charleville-Mézières is generally the coolest city of France. Winters are long, cold and gloomy while summers are hot enough but sometimes, even in the middle of July, night temperatures can drop below 5°C. Under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification, Charleville-Mézières features a temperate oceanic climate with strong continental influences.
Population
Culture
Puppetry is an important part of the cultural life of Charleville-Mézières, which is called the "World Capital of Puppetry Arts". An has been held there every three years since 1961, and became a biennial event in 2011. The town is also home to the world headquarters of UNIMA as well as the International Puppetry Institute, which is housed in a historic building featuring a giant automaton of a puppeteer who performs a puppet show every hour on the hour. The École Nationale Supérieure des Arts de la Marionnette, a college which offers a higher education in puppetry, is also situated in Charleville-Mézières. The poet Arthur Rimbaud was born in Charleville. The is located in the old water mill to the north of the town.
Transport
City buses are run by TAC, Transports de l’Agglomération de Charleville-Mézières. The Gare de Charleville-Mézièresrailway station offers connections to Paris, Reims, Lille, Metz and regional destinations.
