Land of Memory is a new cross-border tourist destination that offers you the opportunity to explore the history of the 20th century between France, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. This territory is home to more than 80 sites of memory related to the two world conflicts of the last century. So many exciting and immersive visits and activities that bear witness to terrible historical episodes. The cooperation between the tourist actors of the different countries of the territory and the plurality of their points of view and testimonies allow to live within Land of Memory new experiences. It is a tourist exploration on a European scale, cultural, historical and emotionally charged. A tourist destination committed to peace and tolerance between peoples
The emblematic sites on the Land of Memory route
This European territory of memory highlights emblematic sites that have strongly marked European and international history such as Bastogne, Verdun or the Fortified City of Liege. While for the younger generations of Europe, the two world wars are now distant, even forgotten, the Land of Memory device revives a memory that appears to be a valuable tool for learning and understanding international relations. An enlightened knowledge of the circumstances at the origin of the world conflicts of the twentieth century sheds light on the present world and on the relations of cooperation within Europe
A new perspective and new activities
Land of Memory is an exceptional and unique territory of memory thanks to its cross-border location and the presence of more than 80 sites to visit, with meetings, explorations, animations and original activities, on the scale of the 4 countries associated in this adventure. The visitor enters the intimacy and the daily life of the protagonists of the time: soldiers, resistance fighters, civilians, etc. Experts have worked for years to develop this cross-border concept, to make the best use of the places of memory and to propose diversified activities. I discover
4 emotionally rich discoveries to make in the Land of Memory.
Dive into the heart of history to discover our past as you have never done before: exciting visits, new activities, testimonies... Between emotions and immersion: live the Land of Memory experience.
Escape Game at the Fort of Huy : In the skin of a prisoner
Admire the Fort of Huy, located near Liege in Belgium. This fort has been overlooking the city of Mouscron for almost two centuries. A vestige of history promising a visit rich in emotions, where you can admire a superb panorama of the city of Huy. The site offers an Escape Game, a way to discover its history in a fun and original way. In the skin of a prisoner, you have 1 hour to escape... I try the escape
Experience a 39-45 bombing as it was in those days
At the 101st Airborne Museum in Bastogne (Belgium), the visitor discovers a scenography rich in details and rich collections relating more particularly the Battle of Bastogne. The unusual experience of this museum revolves around the reconstruction of a cellar that housed civilians at the end of the visit. A surprising scenography with realistic mannequins plunges you into this frightful winter of 44-45.A strikingly realistic simulation of bombings completes this unique immersion. Two new and immersive experiences are added: Generation 45 and Bois Jacques. I visit
To combine history and hiking: discover the Bunker trail
The Bunker trail is a rather sporty hike on the theme of the Second World War during which you walk through the Schlinder valley (Luxembourg). The route offers beautiful panoramic views and crosses two bunkers, one ruined and the other restored in 2016. The latter was the refuge of 17 resistance fighters who had installed an underground shelter called "Dosbaach". Today, the story of their adventure is told in a poignant tribute. Exploring.
Immerse yourself in the life of the soldiers in the Chattancourt Trench
Come and discover the famous Chattancourt Trench, a perfect reconstruction of the one that defended this village in the Meuse during the Great War. You will enjoy the visit thanks to its didactic course which plunges you into the reality of the trench warfare, in the heart of the conflict. An immersive experience particularly instructive and emotional. I immerse myself in the place.
History explained to young people
The emblematic site of Verdun has made a special effort to animate the visit of the battlefields in the most interactive way possible for the young public.
From Flames to Light, a sound and light show, evokes the history of the Battle of Verdun through an impressive staging adapted to families, with more than 250 actors on stage and multiple special effects, every Friday and Saturday in July. In addition, a special children's booklet is available for a visit of the Verdun battlefield alongside Vadrouille la Grenouille, through a real combatant's course over 13 km.
Take advantage of a harmonized tourist offer
The visit to Land of Memory is combined with a wide range of tourist attractions. The visitor can enjoy quality accommodation with charming hotels, guest houses in historic buildings, even castles, unusual accommodation ... In addition to the wealth of Land of Memory, this territory offers the opportunity to practice various activities, hiking or horseback riding, cycling, swimming, etc.. In addition, there are gastronomic pleasures and discoveries based on the products and know-how of local craftsmen
When memory and nature go hand in hand
In addition, the destination offers its services free of charge to groups in order to design a tailor-made stay that will meet all their desires for discovery. Land of Memory benefits from the presence or proximity of remarkable preserved natural areas, including the Ardennes massif, the Moselle valley, the Argonne forests or the banks of the Meuse, which makes it possible to organize a diversified stay, both instructive and invigorating. Moments of relaxation between visits to historical sites will punctuate your stay. Since this territory is vast and rich, the best thing to do is to plan several days on the spot by composing a memorial and educational excursion alternating emblematic sites, discoveries and walks in nature.
More information on the website and on the social networks Facebook and Instagram
To extend your visit
Since June 24, every Friday, one of the 10 episodes of the Land of Memory podcast takes you to the heart of the memory of the two world wars. The immersive series will immerse you in the events that took place on the territory to further immerse yourself in your visits or discover Land of Memory from home. 10 themes are addressed: from the experience of life in the trenches, to the role of women during this period, through the resistance in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg... Discover or rediscover History in a different way... To listen to the podcast series