Rocroi

Unique in France, Rocroi is a star-shaped fortified town, its ramparts and bastions radiating out from a central square. It remains famous for the battle of 1643.

Getting there

By car: Rocroi, near the Belgian border (~40 min from Charleville). Train to Charleville, then by road.

History

Fortified in the 16th century and later perfected by Vauban, the town witnessed in 1643 the victory of the young Duke of Enghien, the future Grand Condé, over the Spanish tercios.

Culture & stories

A walk around the ramparts and the battle museum bring its military history to life; seen from the air, the town forms a perfect star.

Location