My family is heading to Bastogne for a few days to visit WWII sites. We have a free day to take a road trip (we will have a rental car). I'm wondering what people would suggest visiting? We are interested in WWII, but also very much medieval history and other historical landmarks/villages, great culture and food.... We would drive up to 1 - 2 hours from Bastogne. Anyone have suggestions? Much appreciated!
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
173 posts
Well, in reverse, I did a day trip to Bastogne from Metz so if you want to dip into France, that is a good place to start. Near Metz is part of the Maginot Line where you can still see the bunkers and even climb around inside of them.
Posted by
Sydney, Australia
110 posts
Luxembourg, if that is not already on the agenda. Very pretty but hard to get to from just about everywhere except for Bastogne :)
Lavandula
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2010 posts
Metz is a very nice destination, but there are two other good locations within an hours drive.
Castle Vianden, in Luxembourg, is a restored medieval castle housing a national museum. It, and the nice little town at the base of the hill, are a tourist destination. If you go you want to park near the main gate, or at the cable car at the bottom of the hill, by the turn in the river. The cable car takes you to the neighboring hilltop and you have a walk down to the castle.
Sedan, which has been fought over for centuries, with major battles in both World Wars, is a major strategic crossing between France and Belgium. It's not the prettiest city, but it's got a huge castle, where they have jousting tourneys, trebuchet throws, and all kinds of events in the summer. There's a good indoor market, interesting shops, and very good food too. (Some of the best mussels I've ever had were served at Loreate.)
https://www.chateau-fort-sedan.fr/
https://www.loreate-restaurant-sedan.fr/
Posted by
Indianapolis, IN
372 posts
It's a lovely area! I think you'll enjoy it very much. I'd go to Luxembourg City. On the way there, be sure to stop first at the American cemetery just outside of town. Patton's grave there is impressive in its simplicity, per his request.
If you do this on your way into town, then you won't need to rush your visit to the city at the end of the day.
You may already have a hotel, but if not I have stayed twice at the Hotel du Sud just off the main square in Bastogne. It's a simple place, but clean and friendly, run by a family for 3 generations. As a bonus they have their own large parking lot.
Have a wonderful time!
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2230 posts
If you are heading to Sedan KGC suggests, it's easy to go to Bouillon too. It's known for it's medieval castle of Godefroy of Bouillon, the leader of the First Crusade. Nice views from the castle are part of the visit.
https://www.chateaudebouillon.com/en
A half hour driving west of Sedan is Charleville-Mézières worth a visit for it's beautiful Place Ducal and a few adjacent streets. Looks much like Place des Vosges in Paris.
If still WW2 is of interest, the Maginot Line is worth a visit. A half hour driving east from Thionville you can find Ouvrage Hackenberg, a huge underground fortress with narrow gauge trains bringing you to one of the gunposts.
https://www.maginot-hackenberg.com/index.php?page=home&lang=en
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
2010 posts
Will, thanks. I just put Boullion on my list.