The Place Ducale of Charleville-Mézières is inspired by the Place des Vosges in Paris. Founded in 1606 by Charles of Gonzague, Charleville is typical of town planning from the beginning of the 17th century. The square stands in the heart of the city, surrounded by 26 pavilions of Dom stone and red bricks. It sits at the orthogonal crossroads of two major traffic axes that divide the city into four equal districts. The Place Ducale is the geometric, architectural, administrative, and economic center of Charleville-Mézières. In a way, it is similar to Roman cities' forum.