Charlemont Fort

Overlooking the town, on a steep rocky spur, the imposing Charlemont Fort dominates the landscape. Built on the orders of Charles V, this citadel covers a surface area of 60 hectares, with over 10 kilometres of ramparts, rising 100 metres above Givet.

In addition to its defensive role in time of war, Charlemont Fort was, in the more recent past, as of 1962, used by the military as a commando training centre or CEC. As such, it resumed the traditions of the 9th regiment of Zouaves. The so-called PAR courses included acclimatisation, climbing, escape, urban combat and other challenges.

Following the reorganisation of the National Defence ordered by President Nicolas Sarkozy, the military handed over Charlemont Fort to the municipality in July 2009.

Charlemont hosts events throughout the season, workshops and tours adapted for children, in addition to free and guided tours for all.
Leisure activities are also on offer: all-terrain electric scooter rides throughout the site; laser games, outdoors in the training village of the former Commando Training Centre; and since 2023, accrocommando, a unique experience right on the ramparts of Charlemont, a course inspired by commandos.

Opening times 2023: April to October, April-May-October weekends and public holidays, 10.30am to 5.30pm; June and September Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am to 6.30pm and July and August Wednesday to Monday, 10.30am to 6.30pm.
telephone: 03.24.56.96.87
e-mail: contact@charlemont.fr