Private Bastogne War Museum, Battlefields and Barracks Tour
Description
This Bastogne Tour immersive journey takes you through pivotal WWII sites to understand what the Band of Brothers' Easy Company endured during siege of Bastogne. Start with a visit to the Bastogne War Museum, a profound tribute to the events and sacrifices of the Battle of the Bulge. Then, explore the Bois Jacques battlefield, where you can still see the foxholes used by the Easy Company. After these moving visits, enjoy a lunch break in pictoresque downtown Bastogne. The afternoon continues with a visit to the War Room where McAuliffe famously pronounced "NUTS". Ten we finish with a visit to the Bastogne Barracks, a Belgium army museum where we can see: Shermans, Panzer IV, Wolverine, Stug III, Hetzer, Heavy Howitzers, Flak guns and more. Licensed French Monument Tour Guide, I have been sharing my passion for History, Wine and War for 15 years. My goal is to ensure you have a comfortable and enriching experience through the historical landscape of Bastogne.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Located near the iconic Mardasson Memorial, the Bastogne War Museum offers an immersive, two-hour journey into the Second World War, with a special focus on the Battle of the Bulge. Through interactive displays and powerful exhibits, visitors gain insight into both the personal and collective impact of the war. Designed to engage all ages, this museum skillfully blends history with technology, making it a compelling tribute to the resilience of those who endured one of the war’s most intense battles.
During the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-1945, this dense forest was occupied by the American 101st Airborne Division, specifically the renowned Easy Company. The soldiers endured harsh conditions, digging foxholes for protection against intense German artillery and mortar fire. These foxholes remain visible today, serving as poignant reminders of the soldiers' resilience and the brutal realities of war. The site has become a place of pilgrimage, allowing visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made during one of the most pivotal battles of the Second World War. A phone app is available for immersive videos showing the experience of the American soldiers during the challenging moments of the Battle of the Bulge.
During the lunch break (lunch not included) in Bastogne's charming city center, we'll discover a destroyed Sherman M4A3 tank next to General McAuliffe's bust, sitting on the square named after him surrounded by quaint restaurants. There will be time if you want visit the "Museum of the Pork" full of local ham and sausage specialties, the Bastogne Battle Shop with war souvenirs and the 16th Century St Pierre church.
The Bastogne Barracks is a historic WWII site northeast of Bastogne, originally a Belgian military post and later the U.S. VIII Corps headquarters during the Battle of the Bulge. Here, Brigadier General McAuliffe famously replied “NUTS!” to a German surrender demand. Now an interpretation center, it features a vast exhibit of WWII vehicles, artillery, and artifacts, including the iconic Sherman Jumbo tank. The "Mechanised Warfare" and "Battle of the Bulge" galleries bring history to life, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring this pivotal moment in WWII history.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
I will pick you up at your hotel in the covered area, or at the train station where you arrive in Reims.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you are staying in Bastogne, we start at 10:00 am. If you are staying in Reims, we leave 8 am. If you are staying in Paris (train not included), take the train TGV INOUI 2501 from Paris-Est station at 7:00 am to Champagne-Ardennes station where I'll pick you up at 7:45 am (and the 6:45 pm train TGV INOUI 2756 from Reims where I'll drop you off). Use Trainline to book in advance. Be sure to leave your hotel in Paris early, with enough time to find your train platform at PARIS EST.
Reviews(3)
Thank you Raphael for a wonderful day! Your knowledge of the battlefields in both the larger scope and the smaller ones in the surrounding villages gave us a deep understanding of what our soldiers faced. It was also helpful you could connect the Band of Brothers series with the battles of Easy Company of the 101st. You took great care of our family and 2 children in every respect!
Thank you so much Tom! It was an honor helping your family discover the battlefields of Bastogne! All the best
The guide was extremely attentive to our needs. The battlefield tour is a must see. Seeing where the soldiers actually walked was a special since I personally met several of them.
Thank you so much Kathy, it was great to hear about you meeting the greats. My best to you and Jack.
Raphael customized our experience and really helped us understand the history of the area. He had a deep knowledge and understanding of the Battle of the Bulge, and showed us all of the sites both inside the museum and out in Bastogne and Foy. We really enjoyed this tour.
Hi Carter! Very happy to read your review, I hope you had a great time in Germany! My best to your family. Cheers!
