# Charleville-Mézières

> commune in Ardennes, France

**Wikidata**: [Q47383](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q47383)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charleville-Mézières)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charleville-m-zi-res

## Summary
Charleville-Mézières is a commune in the Ardennes department of France, located in the Grand Est region. Established on October 1, 1966, through the merger of Charleville and Mézières, it serves as an administrative and cultural hub in the region, known for its historical significance, industrial heritage, and modern infrastructure.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: October 1, 1966 (merger of Charleville and Mézières).
- **Country**: France.
- **Department**: Ardennes.
- **Region**: Grand Est.
- **Population**: 48,991 (2020), 47,847 (2019), 48,420 (2018), 46,428 (2017), 46,391 (2016), 55,543 (2015), 60,176 (2014), 58,667 (2013), 57,008 (2012), 55,490 (2011), 51,997 (2010), 49,433 (2009), 46,436 (2008), 46,388 (2007), 46,398 (2006), 45,634 (2005), 45,560 (2004).
- **Coordinates**: 49.76°N, 4.72°E.
- **Website**: [https://www.charleville-mezières.fr](https://www.charleville-mezières.fr).
- **Sitelink Count**: 94.
- **Wikipedia Title**: Charleville-Mézières.
- **Wikidata Description**: Commune in Ardennes, France.
- **Aliases**: Libreville, Charleville (réunie à Charleville-Mézières), Charleville.
- **Related Entities**:
  - **Arrondissement of Charleville-Mézières** (arrondissement of France).
  - **Canton of Charleville-Centre** (former canton of France).
  - **Canton of Charleville-La Houillère** (canton of France).
  - **Canton of Mézières-Centre-Ouest** (former canton of France).
  - **Canton of Mézières-Est** (canton of France).
  - **Ardennes** (department in France, founded March 4, 1790).
  - **Notre-Dame d’Espérance** (basilica in Ardennes, France).
  - **OFC Charleville** (French football club, founded 1904).
  - **Festival mondial des théâtres de marionnettes** (international puppetry festival, founded 1961).
  - **UNIMA** (professional association for puppeteers, founded 1929).
  - **Gare de Charleville-Mézières** (railway station in Charleville-Mézières).
  - **Gare de Mohon** (railway station in Charleville-Mézières).
  - **École royale du génie de Mézières** (former military academy, founded 1748).
  - **Étoile de Charleville-Mézières** (basketball team, founded 1921).
  - **Place Ducale** (square in Charleville-Mézières).
  - **Musée Rimbaud** (museum in France).
  - **Croix de guerre 1914–1918** (French military decoration, established April 2, 1915).
  - **Commune of France** (territorial subdivision for municipalities, founded 1789).
  - **Canton of Charleville-Mézières-1** (canton of France, founded March 22, 2015).
  - **Canton of Charleville-Mézières-2** (canton of France, founded March 22, 2015).
  - **Canton of Charleville-Mézières-3** (canton of France, founded March 22, 2015).
  - **Canton of Charleville-Mézières-4** (canton of France, founded March 22, 2015).
  - **Charleville musket poto** (type of musket, invented 1675).
  - **Former communes**: Charleville, Mohon, Étion, Montcy-Saint-Pierre.

## FAQs
**What is the population of Charleville-Mézières?**
As of 2020, the population was 48,991, with fluctuations in previous years due to administrative changes and demographic shifts.

**When was Charleville-Mézières established?**
The commune was formed on October 1, 1966, through the merger of Charleville and Mézières.

**What are the key landmarks in Charleville-Mézières?**
Notable landmarks include the Notre-Dame d’Espérance basilica, the Place Ducale square, and the Musée Rimbaud.

**What is the significance of the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 in Charleville-Mézières?**
The Croix de guerre 1914–1918 is a French military decoration awarded for bravery during World War I, reflecting the commune’s historical military importance.

**What sports teams are based in Charleville-Mézières?**
The OFC Charleville is a notable football club, and the Étoile de Charleville-Mézières is a basketball team.

## Why It Matters
Charleville-Mézières plays a crucial role as an administrative and cultural center in the Ardennes department, blending historical heritage with modern development. Its strategic location in the Grand Est region and its industrial legacy contribute to its economic significance. The commune’s rich cultural scene, including the Musée Rimbaud and the Festival mondial des théâtres de marionnettes, enhances its appeal as a tourist destination. Additionally, its military history, marked by landmarks like the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, underscores its role in regional identity and national heritage.

## Notable For
- **Administrative Hub**: Serves as the capital of the Ardennes department.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Home to the Musée Rimbaud and the Festival mondial des théâtres de marionnettes.
- **Industrial Legacy**: Known for its historical industrial sites and modern infrastructure.
- **Military History**: Associated with the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 and the École royale du génie de Mézières.
- **Sports**: Hosts the OFC Charleville football club and the Étoile de Charleville-Mézières basketball team.

## Body
### Geography and Location
Charleville-Mézières is situated in the Ardennes department of France, within the Grand Est region. The commune is located at coordinates 49.76°N, 4.72°E, and is part of the arrondissement of Charleville-Mézières. It borders several other communes, including Charleville, Mohon, and Étion, which were previously separate entities before merging into the current commune.

### History and Administration
Established on October 1, 1966, Charleville-Mézières was formed through the merger of Charleville and Mézières. The commune has undergone administrative changes, including the dissolution of former cantons such as Charleville-Centre and Mézières-Centre-Ouest, which were replaced by new cantons in 2015. The arrondissement of Charleville-Mézières serves as the administrative division for the commune.

### Demographics and Population
The population of Charleville-Mézières has fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 60,176 in 2014 and a decline to 45,560 in 2004. The commune’s population is part of the broader demographic trends in the Ardennes department, which has experienced both growth and decline in recent decades.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Charleville-Mézières is an economic hub in the Ardennes department, supported by its industrial heritage and modern infrastructure. The commune is home to key institutions such as the École royale du génie de Mézières, a former military academy, and the Musée Rimbaud, which attracts cultural visitors. The Gare de Charleville-Mézières and Gare de Mohon are important railway stations, facilitating transportation and connectivity.

### Culture and Landmarks
The cultural landscape of Charleville-Mézières is enriched by landmarks such as the Notre-Dame d’Espérance basilica and the Place Ducale square. The Musée Rimbaud, dedicated to the poet Arthur Rimbaud, is a significant cultural institution. The Festival mondial des théâtres de marionnettes, founded in 1961, is an international event that highlights the commune’s commitment to the arts.

### Sports and Recreation
Charleville-Mézières is home to the OFC Charleville, a football club founded in 1904, and the Étoile de Charleville-Mézières, a basketball team established in 1921. These sports teams contribute to the commune’s recreational and community activities.

### Military and Historical Significance
The commune’s military history is marked by the Croix de guerre 1914–1918, a decoration awarded for bravery during World War I. The École royale du génie de Mézières, founded in 1748, reflects the region’s historical role in military engineering and defense.

### Related Entities and Connections
Charleville-Mézières is connected to various entities, including the UNIMA, a professional association for puppeteers, and the Charleville musket poto, a type of musket invented in 1675. The commune’s relationships with these entities highlight its multifaceted historical and cultural significance.

## References

1. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/B---0000)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
5. INSEE code
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. MusicBrainz
10. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
11. Populations légales 2016
12. Populations légales 2017
13. Populations légales 2018
14. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
15. Populations légales 2019
16. Populations légales 2020
17. Populations légales 2021
18. Populations de référence 2022
19. Populations de référence 2023
20. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
21. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
22. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
23. GeoNames
24. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
25. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
26. Quora
27. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
28. museum-digital
29. YouTube API