Napoleonic Bivouacs: Battles of Plancenoit and Hougoumont & Market

One of the biggest battles in European history, due to both its size and its consequences. Rediscover the battle in Waterloo on 22 and 23/06/13.

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 exceptional show that should not be missed!

Celebrations of the bicentenary of this major event will be taking place in 2015.

Alongside the bivouacs, amble around the empire market, which recreates the atmosphere of a market street during the Napoleonic era.

The garden at the foot of the Lion's Mound will be transformed into a village street where stands, a tavern and a bivouac of soldiers in uniform will be set up.

During the Napoleonic era, these markets were improvised.

Saturday 22: opening of the Bivouacs.

From 9am to 10pm, discover the everyday lives of soldiers and immerse yourself in the imperial atmosphere. Around 600 actors will be taking part in the battle between Napoleon's army and that of Wellington and Blücher.

Performances and torch-lit march at 10pm at the Lion's mound.

Sunday 23: Battle of Plancenoit.

The troops will gather at Plancenoit for the only battle of the weekend. Free show from 10am to 1pm.

Once the battles is over, the troops will parade in Waterloo from 12pm to 1pm.

At 3pm re-enacting of first aid given to the wounded at Napoleon's final headquarters.

Until then, watch the annual commemoration:
2015

Craftsmen would sell their goods in a festive atmosphere in the hoping of catching the attention of soldiers, officers and canteen workers.

After a day's work, they used to stop at a nearby inn, where they could quench their thirst with fresh beers and wine.

Come and experience life as it was!

Travel back in time with us and visit the artisan market: you'll be meeting craftsmen, discovering different types of crafts, pretty shops and enjoying the food of the time.

You'll be meeting the artisans and will be able to watch them at work, while browsing around the stands and tasting foods and drink of those long-gone days.

Visit our partners' webpages

• Creative Workshop at the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
• Brussels Antiques Fair - BRAFA
• Hokusai - Views of Mount Fuji and Other Japanese Landscapes
• International Brussels Tattoo Convention
• Exhibition - Valérie Mannaerts