WATERLOO - At the Heart of the Battle

The Battle of Waterloo began on the morning of the 18th of June 1815. The French troops fought the British who were joined by the Prussian Army. The battlefield covers an area of just over 600 hectares of fields and meadows across the territories of the towns of Braine-l’Alleud, Genappe, Lasne and Waterloo. At the end of the fight, the French Army surrendered and retreated in chaos. The site is dominated by a monumental mound (the Lion’s Mound), topped with a cast iron sculpture of a lion, to commemorate the spot where the Prince of Orange is presumed to have been wounded on the 18th of June 1815. At its feet, The Domain of the Battle of Waterloo 1815 welcomes you. Guided by a virtual soldier of your favourite army, you’ll discover the mechanism which brings you inevitably to the heart of the battle, in a multisensory experience unique in Europe. Activities are planned during peak season, like a horse-drawn carriage which takes you to the Ferme d’Hougoumont – a major historical site on the battlefield, that showcases an interactive show “The Battle in the Battle”. Route du Lion 1815 • 1420 Braine-l’Alleud visitwallonia.com/en-gb/produit/attractions/activites/monument/lions-hamlet-visitors-centre-and-waterloo-battlefield/9245

On the 17th of June 1815, the day before the Battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington at the head of the British and Allied Forces set up his field hospital at this farm. Over 6,000 soldiers were cared for here and many of them owe their salvation to the proximity of the place to the battlefield. Today, renovated with due regard to history, it is home to a museum which pays tribute to the surgical function of the place. It explains the history of field hospitals and their role during wars. The Ferme de Mont-Saint-Jean also houses a microbrewery, which produces the famous ‘Waterloo’ beer, a micro distillery and a shop selling many different products such as beers, gins and whiskies. Chaussée de Charleroi 591 • 1410 Waterloo visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/mont-saint-jean-farms-microbrewery-and-museum-waterloo

Having left Fleurus castle, Napoleon continued his march forward. On the night of the 17th of June 1815, he established his Headquarters at the Ferme du Caillou - in the little hamlet of Vieux-Genappe, 2.4 miles from Butte du Lion (Lion’s Mound). All night long, an unparalleled tumult reigned here. Today, a museum, which is accessible to all (including people with reduce mobility, visually impaired and deaf visitors), has been established here and allows you to experience the last hours preceding the battle along with the Emperor and his officers. Fun and sensory activities allow you to go back in time and provide insight into the lives of the soldiers and the Emperor’s battle strategy. Chaussée de Bruxelles 66 • 1472 Vieux-Genappe visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/ferme-du-caillou-napoleons-last-headquarters-battle-waterloo

gitesdewallonie.be/

This gîte, nestled in the former stables and barn of a picturesque 18th-century farm, is located near the battlefields of Waterloo. Perfect for those wishing to combine a cultural holiday with an eco-friendly stay! It has been awarded 3 épis for its quality. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/gite-rural-de-la-bachee-a-countryside-lodging-for-7-persons-in-plancenoit-waterloo/10016

www.lehameaudugoumont.be

From the 17th to the 19th of June 1815, at the end of the Battle of “Quatre-Bras” Wellington set up his headquarters at an inn in the heart of the village of Waterloo. It is here that he drew up his victory bulletin following the Battle of the 18th of June, which he named “Waterloo”. Since then, this building houses the Wellington Museum which includes a unique collection dedicated to each army. It presents in an educational way the role and implication of each of the nations involved in this conflict. Opposite the Museum looms the Chapelle Royale de Waterloo, which was built in 1687. In the wake of the battle, this Royal Chapel was converted into a commemorative temple honouring Wellington and his allies. The walls of the adjacent church are adorned with numerous funerary plaques of officers or soldiers killed in combat. Chaussée de Bruxelles 147 • 1410 Waterloo visitwallonia.com/en-gb/content/wellington-museum-waterloo-museum-retracing-1815-battle

Located in a lustrous, green setting 15 km from the centre of Brussels, this 4-star design & wellbeing hotel is an ideal destination for rest and relaxation. walloniabelgiumtourism.co.uk/en-gb/3/accommodation/eco-labelled-accommodation/hotel-spa-dolce-la-hulpe-brussels/11305