From Fields of War to Roads of Peace – Tour of the Bastogne Area

The Battle of the Bulge, the final confrontation of the Second World War in Belgium, was fought from 16 December 1944 to 28 January 1945. Bastogne and the surrounding area were the scene of fierce fighting during this period. The Bastogne’s main square bears the name of General McAuliffe, who had the temerity to reply “Nuts” to the German general who demanded the surrender of his troops. The 101st Airborne Division then succeeded in holding back repeated German attacks until the arrival of reinforcements in the shape of the 4th Armored Division. A Sherman tank of the 11th Armored or “Thunderbolt” Division, destroyed on 30 December 1944 is on display at the corner of the square next to the bust of General McAuliffe. Place McAuliffe – 6600 Bastogne

Inaugurated in 1950, the Mardasson memorial is a large structure in the form of a star, which was built by the Belgians as a tribute to the 76,890 US soldiers who gave their lives, disappeared or were wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. A climb to the top is rewarded by excellent views of the whole area. The upper crown of the monument is inscribed with the names of the states of the USA, while the crypt houses three altars each dedicated to a different religion, namely Protestant, Catholic and Jewish. No admission fee. The Bastogne War Museum, on Mardasson hill was entirely renovated in 2014. Here you can see a series of tableaux that reconstruct the key moments of the Battle of the Bulge and which allow the visitor to experience the ordinary life of the soldiers. There are also various authentic objects dating from the period donated by army veterans. Prices on website. 5 Colline du Mardasson – 6600 Bastogne – + 32 (0)61 21 02 20 – www.bastognewarmuseum.be

A visit to please both young and old! A visit to the musée vivant de la Laine (the Living Museum of Wool) approaches the story of wool in three different ways. There are the 25 different sorts of animals that produce wool to be seen, then you can learn about the various processes used to condition wool from the early 20th Century down to the modern day, and finally you can tour an old restored house to learn about the crafts of yesteryear. There is also an agreeable outdoor space where you can sit and a play area. Animalaine is open from April to October. 5 Bizory – 6600 Bastogne – +32 (0)61 21 75 08 – www.animalaine.be

Bois de la Paix (Peace Wood) is a 3 ha green area, where 4,000 trees have been planted so that when they are viewed from the air the UNICEF logo can be seen. Featuring a mother and child the logo symbolizes the universality of compassion. The wood was laid out to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, in honour of the Belgian and Allied combatants and civilians who fought for the freedom of Belgium. US veterans returning to the scene of the battle were invited to leave a nameplate showing their name and unit on a tree. A place for a peaceful walk and calm reflection. Between Mardasson and Bizory (signposted) – 6600 Bastogne

After leaving Peace Wood, head towards Foy. Where the road crosses the cycle route (RAVeL) you can see the monument to Easy Company, which played a heroic role during the Battle of the Bulge. Easy Company was the 5th Company of the 506th parachute infantry regiment and was part of the 101st Airborne Division. During the Battle of the Bulge, Easy Company occupied Bois Jacques (James Wood) and stopped the Germans from reaching Bastogne. Fighting in dreadful winter cold only 63 of the original 240 members survived. Traces of the battle can still be seen, with bullet holes in some of the houses and foxholes in the wood. Easy Company was immortalized in the book “Band of Brothers” by Stephen Ambrose, which was subsequently adapted for HBO by Steven Spielberg and coproduced by Tom Hanks. Bois Jacques – on the road between Foy and Bizory – 6600 Bastogne

German losses were immense. This military cemetery houses 6,807 graves of German soldiers who fell during the Second World War. The youngest person buried here is hardly 17. Recogne – 6600 Bastogne

Time seems to have passed the old hamlet of Bethomont by. Once you have passed the newer buildings you drive down to the bottom of a valley, where you will see a number of houses clustered around in a semi-circle. At the heart of this little settlement there is a stone, which is said to go back to the druids and which makes a delightful spot for a picnic. Bethomont – 6687 Bertogne Next, leave Bethomont to take the main road to Sprimont (6680 Sainte-Ode). At Sprimont follow the winding Laval road, which runs along this pretty valley. You pass by the fish pond at Wachirock, where it is possible to stop and fish or just to have a refreshment (www.wachirock.be). Afterwards take the Rechimont road.

Although Bastogne has been the scene of such vicious fighting, the surrounding area is green and peaceful and offers a number of excellent walks. At various points on this circuit there are places where you can get out and stretch your legs in the hidden roads. Take your time and don’t hesitate to stop and to enjoy the scenery. There are numerous marked walking and cycling routes in the area (see special supplement).

The 5 municipalities of the Bastogne area – Bastogne, Bertogne, Fauvillers, Sainte-Ode and Vaux-sur-Sûre – invite you to get on your bike or pull on your walking boots to explore the country roads far from the stress of daily life. There are numerous walking and cycling routes suitable for the experienced hiker, families and the Sunday stroller available from the local Tourism Offices, whose addresses you can find here: www.sainte-ode-tourisme.be, www.bertogne-tourisme.be, www.fauvillers-tourisme.be, www.bastogne-tourisme.be, www.vaux-sur-sure-tourisme.be. You can also rent an EC Bike electric bicycle from Relais Ardenne-e-Bike via their website at www.ardenne-e-bike.be. Why not combine this with the formula that allows you to make the tour on a bike with the option of sending your luggage on ahead arranged by the places you stay at (contact@gta.be).

Champimont helps to provide information about mushrooms and lies close to the centre of Rechimont. Realistic models placed in a very lifelike setting help you learn about this mysterious world. It is also possible to visit the room where oyster mushrooms are cultivated. Individual visits at your own speed. Groups may book a visit with a specialist guide. 2 Rechimont – 6680 Sainte-Ode – +32 (0)61 68 81 18 – www.champimont.be

Savour a good meal in this farmhouse restaurant. Pioneers of farm tourism, the Octave family have built themselves an excellent reputation for good food. You can choose from a menu crammed with delicacies prepared from local produce and stay in one of the three guesthouses. 2 Rechimont – 6680 Sainte-Ode – +32 (0)61 68 81 18

In 1999 Sainte-Ode became the first municipality in Wallonia to build a wind farm. Since then six new wind turbines have been added to the six first ones. You can take your car up to the foot of these giant windmills to see how they transform the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical power. It is possible to take a guided tour of both the outside and inside of a wind turbine, followed by a presentation about how wind turbines are built – unique in Belgium! Unfortunately visitors are not allowed to climb up to the turbine itself. For groups or families book by ringing +32 (0)479 87 15 77. After your visit return to Rechimont and continue your tour by following the valley of the Laval to Morhet. Rechimont – 6680 Sainte-Ode

In the First World War, the village of Rosières was put to the torch and the Germans murdered numerous civilians. The residents of Vaux-lez-Rosières, the former name for Vaux-sur-Sûre, prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her protection against such a massacre. Their prayers being heard, they decided to build a lasting monument in honour of the Holy Mother. In January 1916, Abbé Jacques decided that this project should take the form of a partial reconstruction of the grotto at Lourdes. Fourteen stations with statues in bronze were laid out around the grotto in order to create a Way of the Cross. After visiting the grotto, head for Sûre and then Cobreville to discover these pretty villages on your way to Remoiville. Rue du Wez – 6640 Vaux-sur-Sûre

At the church of Remoiville, follow the road, which goes gently downhill and on your right, lower than the church, you will see a minuscule red brick shrine and a spring. The shrine houses a niche where the statue of Sainte Larme stands. The fine stream of water coming from the spring at the feet of the saint is reputed to have the ability to cure eye diseases. Remoiville – 6640 Vaux-sur-Sûre

Halfway between Remoiville and Hollange, you cross the former tram route, which linked Marche to Arlon and which was the longest tramline in Belgium (about 80 km). Laid out in 1894, the former steam tram took about 6 hours to cover the distance. In 1934 a railcar system was adopted, which cut the time to 3 hours. The tramway was the only public transport in the area, but was much more than just a transport system, it was a place of encounter and interaction that played an important role in local life. The last tram ran in the sixties. This is an ideal place to stop and get out of your car. Walk or cycle along a section of the former regional tramway. At some bridges and former stations, from Sainlez to Wisembach, there are instructive panels that tell you “Stories from the Tram”, which are based on cards, historic documents, old photographs and eye-witness accounts. Learn more and listen to the audio commentary on the website of the Parc Naturel Haute-Sûre Forêt d’Anlier at www.parcnaturel.be under the tab “Activités/Découverte”. (only in French)

Still running after close to six centuries of operation, the watermill at Hollange is an exceptional witness to the craft heritage of the Ardennes. The watermill, which is still fully functional, draws on two sources of water energy, which are supplied from a 900 metre long ditch that carries the water from “La Strange”, the local river. For the last 25 years, a craft baker has worked alongside the mill, and offers customers a range of highly nourishing products, including flour, stone-baked bread, oat flakes, beer, etc. all made in accordance with the best traditions of the Ardennes. Open from Wednesday to Saturday 5 Rue de Chaumont – 6637 Hollange (Fauvillers) – +32 (0)61 26 68 76 After your visit to the mill follow the nearby N4 road to return to your point of departure in Bastogne.