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
Located just 4 km from the Lion’s Mound in Vieux-Genappe, Napoleon’s Last Headquarters immerses visitors in the heart of the French army through its cavalry, infantry and artillery.
From 10 a.m. on Saturday, the camp comes fully to life with two unique highlights:
The arrival of the Emperor and his cavalry, accompanied by the music of the Imperial Guard. This is followed by the Emperor’s meal, shared with his General Staff and accompanied by commentary.
Throughout Saturday and Sunday, families can enjoy a wide range of military activities, including the treatment of wounded soldiers, the preparation of horses for battle and military manoeuvres. Civilian activities are also on offer, such as the Little Soldier’s School, First Empire dances and traditional wooden games.
Need a break? Refreshments are available at the bar and food truck!
The show: Waterloo at the Heart of the Battle of Hougoumont
The Highlight of the Weekend: The Re-enactment of the Attack on Hougoumont
For this edition, the entire Hougoumont Farm will be transformed into a vast life-size historical setting. Visitors will relive three key moments of the attack on the estate: the assault on the North Gate, the fighting in the gardens, and the fierce defence of the farm walls.
Free to move around the site, spectators will be able to follow this decisive episode of the Battle of Waterloo in real time. This unique immersive experience will allow them to feel the intensity of the fighting that helped shape the destiny of Europe.
Thanks to the explanations of a commentator, you will follow the action step by step and gain insight into the historical significance of this decisive confrontation. Amid musket fire, cavalry charges and troop movements, this remarkable experience will transport you back more than two centuries.
Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for an extraordinary experience, this spectacular show is an event not to be missed.
📅 Saturday, 27 June at 7:30 p.m. 📅 Sunday, 28 June at 10:30 a.m. ⏱️ Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Come and experience the excitement of history brought to life!
Practical information
- Parking at the Waterloo Battlefield Estate
- Free shuttle buses every 20 minutes between Napoleon’s Last Headquarters (66 Chaussée de Bruxelles, 1472 Vieux-Genappe) and the Lion’s Mound Parking stop (299 Route du Lion, 1410 Waterloo).
- 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
