The Show: Waterloo – At the Heart of the Battle of Hougoumont
Historical re-enactment weekend
Step back into 1815 for a weekend and relive the atmosphere of the Battle of Waterloo.
Soldiers in uniform, military bivouacs, traditional crafts and immersive activities bring history back to life on the very ground where it unfolded.
Organised by the Waterloo Battlefield Estate in partnership with Napoleon’s Last Headquarters, this historical weekend invites visitors to explore two living camps, civilian villages, demonstrations and the museums of both sites.
“The success of the battle turned upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont.” – Duke of Wellington
Sites and activities
Waterloo Battlefield Estate – Hougoumont Farm
At the heart of the battlefield, Hougoumont Farm immerses you in the Allied camp and in the atmosphere of an early 19th-century village.
Discover a living military camp with bivouacs, where soldiers and re-enactors bring daily troop life to life: camp organisation, preparation and life on the front line.
Nearby, a lively civilian village takes you back in time, with craftsmen and traditional trades recreating the atmosphere of an era shaped by war.
Activities to discover:
- soldier recruitment
- period barber
- blacksmith demonstrations
- military surgery
- cannon firing
A complete immersion in both military and civilian life, offering insight into the daily lives of men and women during the Battle of Waterloo.
The Imperial Camp at Napoleon’s Last Headquarters
In Vieux-Genappe, 4 km from the Lion’s Mound, Napoleon’s Last Headquarters immerses you in the French army for a full weekend.
Saturday: From 10:00 a.m., the camp comes fully to life with Napoleon and his staff present, training sessions, cavalry and manoeuvres.
Programme:
- the Emperor’s meal with commentary
- military strategy demonstration
- departure of the cavalry towards Hougoumont
On-site activities
- In the courtyard: imperial headquarters, Guard music, historical scenes and demonstrations.
- In the orchard: military drills, soldier training, First Empire dances and family activities.
- The camp: discovery of soldiers’ daily life (training, weapon maintenance, military organisation).
- The cavalry: horse care, exercises and demonstrations.
The show: Waterloo at the Heart of the Battle of Hougoumont
The highlight of the weekend, this roaming show immerses spectators in the fighting around Hougoumont Farm.
Saturday 27 June at 7:30 p.m. – Sunday 28 June at 10:30 a.m.
Duration: 1h30
The route includes three combat zones around the farm:
- Zone A – Meadow / woodland edge
- Zone B – Killing zone
- Zone C – North gate
A commentator accompanies the scenes, explaining events and placing them in their historical context. Nearly 500 re-enactors take part in this spectacular reconstruction.
Practical information
- Parking at the Waterloo Battlefield Estate + shuttle service between sites
- Show: 1h30, approx. 1 km, standing (free positioning)
- Opening hours: Sat. 9:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. / Sun. 9:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Performances: Sat. 7:30 p.m. / Sun. 10:30 a.m. (FR/NL)
- Food and drinks available on site
