210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo - Relive history on June 28 and 29, 2025 !
On June 18, 1815, Napoleon played his last card on the plains of Waterloo in a decisive battle that changed the course of history. Two centuries later, the breath of history comes rushing back. On the occasion of the 210th anniversary, relive an exceptional weekend at the heart of the historic sites.
Two days of total immersion, with re-enactments and live entertainment at three emblematic sites :
- Napoleon’s Last Headquarters (Vieux-Genappe)
- Hougoumont Farm
- The Battle of Waterloo 1815 Domain
Napoleon’s Last Headquarters: where it all began
The emblematic site where Napoleon drew up his plans on the night of June 17-18, 1815, the Last HQ becomes, for the space of a weekend, a living military camp animated by over 1,500 soldiers.
Saturday June 28 – 10am to 6pm
Experience the daily life of an imperial camp:
- Cartridge production, recruit training, patrols, weapons maintenance, guarding the Emperor…
- Cavalry animations: horse care, cavalry ringing, column formation, imperial escort.
Highlights:
- 11:15am: Solemn arrival of Napoleon and his General Staff, with music.
- 1:00 pm: Imperial meal in the field palace, with commentary by Marshal Ney
- 2:00 pm: Battalion maneuvers in the exercise field (the orchard)
- 5:00 pm: Spectacular cavalry departure for the battlefield (crossing the main road)
Continuous entertainment:
- Empire dances, historical theater, soldier’s school for children (wooden rifles and flour shooting), giant bubbles and juggling.
Sunday June 29 – from 12pm to 5:30pm
Civilian and military events continue:
- Ist Empire dance classes, live theater, giant bubbles, children’s games, etc.
Catering at Napoleon’s Last HQ
Savory
- Bagnat grilled piglet, crudités and sauce
- Full plate: grilled piglet, potatoes, salad, crudités, shallot cream sauce
- 100% pure beef burgers with crusty bread (with or without cheddar/bacon)
- Bolognese or 4-cheese pasta for children or adults
- Croque-monsieur,
Sweet side
- Liège waffles,
- Crêpes,
- Ice cream.
Bar side :
- Freshly-ground coffees: cappuccino, latte macchiato
- Waterloo beers (blonde triple, double brown, red cherry),
- Red/white wine,
- Softs.
The event also takes place at :
The Battle of Waterloo 1815 Domain (Braine-l’Alleud)
- 1815 Memorial: immersive tour and 4D film
- Panorama: monumental circular fresco
- Butte du Lion: breathtaking view of the battlefield
- Ferme d’Hougoumont: interactive tour and Allied bivouacAlliés
Ticket office
Combined ticket with re-enactment (show + museums + bivouacs + shuttle)
- Adults: €22.50 to €55.00
- Children (under 10): €10.00 to €40.00
- Parking: €9.00
- Book on bataillewaterloo.com
Visit ticket (excluding re-enactment)
- Adults: €15.00
- Children (aged 10-17): €7.50
- Children (under 10): Free
Information and booking
Free shuttles between the 3 sites
Two non-stop shuttles on Saturday June 28 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Shuttle 1: DQGN → Domaine de la Bataille → Hougoumont
- Shuttle 2: Domaine → Hougoumont → Domaine → DQGN
Detailed timetable
Practical info
- Bivouac times : Saturday 10am-6pm / Sunday 12pm-5.30pm
- DQGN : Chaussée de Bruxelles 66, 1472 Vieux-Genappe
- Hougoumont : Chemin du Goumont, 1420 Braine-l’Alleud
-
Parking available at all 3 sites:
- Memorial : 50.681143, 4.401411
- Hougoumont : 50.674949, 4.393699
- DQGN : 50.642778, 4.422180
- PRM: reserved seating during the re-enactment - reservation via events@waterloo1815.be
- NOISE : Some events are noisy, so remember to wear earplugs.
- Numerous sanitary facilities on each site
Ready to step back in time?
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo promises an unforgettable weekend.
We look forward to seeing you there!
