Our next stop was in Mezieres, the ancient military fortress adjacent to the more modern city of Charleville. We stayed in a Chambre d'Hotes (that is French for B & B) adjacent to the ancient Basilica of Notre Dame de l'Esperance. The earliest foundation dates to 1156 with the present Gothic church first built in 1499. Due to the many wars it has been rebuilt many times, the most recent after the second World War. It is adorned with the most unique and stunning stained glass designed by Rene Durrbach, a friend of Picasso's. The size and intensity of colors in the glass created an unusually colorful interior.
The exterior and neighboring ramparts of the ancient city
created the character of the neighborhood.
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| The ramparts to the East protected part of the walled city... |
The ramparts to the west show the building where we stayed in Mezieres! We were not sure if we should feel secure -
or imprisoned.
Just to the north was Charleville with a different mood. The Place Ducale was the center of activity with many outdoor restaurants. Right next to the carousel we found some of the best crepes that we had in France.
The city is famous for its Puppet and Marionette Festival but we are here too soon... and the gentle bike paths along the Meuse beckon.
A view of Charleville from across the river.
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