Napoleonic Bivouacs: Battles of Plancenoit and Hougoumont and empire fair

The Battle of Waterloo was one of the biggest battles in European history, because of both its size and its consequences. Once a year, a host of people come from all over the world to bring you a magnificent re-enactment of the events of 1815.

An absolutely unmissable performance!

2015 will be the bicentenary of this major event.

The bivouacs will be completed by the empire market, recreating the atmosphere of a market street during the Napoleonic era

The garden at the foot of the hillock has been transformed into a village street where shops, a taverns and a soldier bivouac.

During the Napoleonic era these craft markets were often improvised.

SATURDAY: OPENING OF BIVOUACS AND BATTLES OF HOUGOUMONT

From 9am to 5pm, discover the everyday lives of soldiers and immerse yourself in the imperial atmosphere (shuttle bus provided between the two bivouacs).

The battles start at 6.30pm and go on until 8.30pm. Between 800 and 1.000 people will be re-enacting the battle between Napoleon's troops and Wellington and Blücher's men.

Parade: once the battles are over the troops will march past the Lion Mound to Napoleon's final HQ.

SUNDAY 19TH: BATTLES OF PLANCENOIT

The troops will gather at Plancenoit for the last battles of the weekend. Free for spectators from 10am to 12pm.

Until then, watch the annual commemoration:
-2015

In a festive atmosphere, craftsmen would be selling their creations and trying to attract soldier's attention. They would also stop in inns where they could taste fresh beers or wine.

Come and experience life in the past!

Pop into the time machine and visit the crafts market: you'll be meeting craftsmen, seeing different types of crafts, pretty shops and enjoying the food of the time.

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