Plage Ducale
The Place Ducale transformed into a temporary beach all summer long
About Plage Ducale
Since 2014, Plage Ducale has transformed the majestic Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières into a temporary fine sand beach every summer. From early July to late August, this free summer event offers sports activities (beach volleyball, badminton, pétanque, yoga), water games for children, a reading lounge, live concerts, and dance evenings on Friday and Saturday nights. A true summer institution in Charleville-Mézières, Plage Ducale is a family-friendly and festive meeting place in the heart of the city.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Plage Ducale at the best price.
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The Place Ducale as a beach since 2014
Every summer, the Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières, an architectural gem from the 17th century and a listed historic monument, transforms into a temporary beach of fine sand. Since 2014, Plage Ducale has become a true summer institution, an unmissable event for the inhabitants of the Ardennes region and passing visitors. The concept is simple and effective: bring the beach to the heart of the city, nestled between the pink brick and blue slate facades of this unique square.
Sports, relaxation, and culture on the agenda
Plage Ducale offers a wide program of daily sports and cultural activities, all with free access. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis, pétanque, and participate in outdoor Zumba and yoga sessions. Children can enjoy the sand, water games, inflatable bubbles, and fun creative workshops. Book lovers have an outdoor reading lounge with books for children and adults.
Festive evenings on Fridays and Saturdays
Every weekend, Plage Ducale extends its hours until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, transforming into an open-air dance floor. Live concerts featuring jazz, rock, world music, and French chanson liven up the evenings, complemented by dance shows and themed nights. The eclectic musical programming offers moments of shared celebration across generations.
2024 Edition: The Olympics at the beach
The 2024 edition, from July 6th to August 25th, featured special entertainment with a 15 m² giant screen continuously broadcasting the events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Visitors could follow the competitions with their feet in the sand, creating a unique atmosphere blending sports and conviviality on the Place Ducale.
2025 Edition: A grand return
The 2025 edition took place from July 5th to August 24th, with an enriched program of extended festive evenings on Fridays and Saturdays. Plage Ducale confirmed its status as a flagship summer event in Charleville-Mézières, attracting families, young people, and seniors in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
Plage Ducale — edition 2026
Plage Ducale 2026 scheduled from early July to late August on the Place Ducale. Specific dates and program to be confirmed.
Plage Ducale 2026 in preparation
Plage Ducale 2026 is expected from early July to late August on the Place Ducale. Specific dates and the program of concerts and activities will be announced in Spring 2026.
Prices Plage Ducale 2026
Practical information — Plage Ducale
Practical Information
Access
Plage Ducale is located on the Place Ducale, the historic heart of Charleville-Mézières.
- By car: A34 from Reims (1h). Parking available in the city center nearby.
- By train: Charleville-Mézières SNCF station, Place Ducale is a 10-minute walk away.
Usual Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 1 PM to 8 PM
- Fridays and Saturdays: 1 PM to 10 PM (concert evenings)
- Closed on Mondays
Prices
- Access: free
- Water games (pools): paid (modest fee)
Usual Dates
From early July to late August, every summer.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Plage Ducale at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Plage Ducale
Place Ducale
Place Ducale, 08000 Charleville-Mézières