Reconstitution de la Bataille de Waterloo
Napoleonic historical weekend with bivouacs and a 500-reenactor staging focused on the assault on the Hougoumont farm.
Attract history enthusiasts and experiential travelers to an immersive Napoleonic reenactment weekend with authentic bivouac camping and large-scale battle staging.
- Step into 1815: Experience the Hougoumont assault with 500+ reenactors in full period costume
- Bivouac camping meets military history—sleep like a Napoleonic soldier
- Behind-the-scenes: How organizers choreograph a 500-person historical battle reenactment
On 27–28 June 2026, the Waterloo Battlefield Estate (in partnership with Napoleon's Last Headquarters) organizes its traditional historical weekend. Soldiers in uniform, military bivouacs, traditional crafts and immersive activities bring history back to life on the ground where it unfolded. This 2026 edition focuses on the attack on Hougoumont Farm, a pivotal fortified position on the right flank of Wellington's Allied forces. [ "Three-moment immersive spectacle of the Hougoumont assault (North Gate attack, garden fighting, farm wall defence), with spectators moving freely through the live-action site", "500+ re-enactors across two historic military camps: Allied bivouacs at Hougoumont Farm and French Imperial troops at Napoleon's Last Headquarters (Vieux-Genappe)", "Civilian village with ~30 Napoleonic-era craftspeople demonstrating traditional trades; period-specific activities (barber, blacksmith, military surgery, First Empire dances)", "Two 90-minute reenactment shows: Saturday 27 June 19:30, Sunday 28 June 10:30, with live commentary explaining historical context", "Bivouacs and museums accessible all weekend; free shuttle service between sites during opening hours", "Family-friendly: demonstrations of cavalry, artillery, infantry; enlistment scenes, soldier school, weapon maintenance, and First Empire period dances" ]
Saturday 27 June
10:00–18:00 Bivouacs and civilian village open. 18:00 Bivouacs close, gates open for spectacle. 19:30 Reenactment show begins (90 min).
Sunday 28 June
09:30 Gates open for spectacle. 10:30 Reenactment show begins (90 min). 12:15 Show ends. 12:30 Bivouacs and civilian village reopen. Evening activities continue.