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Bois de la Paix Peace Woods

4.6
·451 reviews·Bastogne, Belgium

A serene woodland memorial where each tree honors a fallen soldier, offering a peaceful place for reflection on sacrifice and peace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Fewer visitors, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Vue du ciel

Bois de la Paix Peace Woods

Best Time

Morning

Fewer visitors, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene woodland memorial where each tree honors a fallen soldier, offering a peaceful place for reflection on sacrifice and peace.

4.6
(451 reviews)

"Beautiful, very informative and so peaceful here. A fitting tribute to all the lost souls."

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TIP

🚗 Drive Carefully

Access road is narrow and bumpy. Drive slowly and be mindful of oncoming traffic.

🌳 Respect the Memorial

This is a place of remembrance. Tread lightly and absorb the peaceful atmosphere.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trees of Remembrance

Trees of Remembrance

Each tree symbolizes a fallen soldier, creating a serene and deeply moving landscape of remembrance.

Informational Boards

Informational Boards

Detailed displays offer insights into the history and the individuals honored, enriching the visitor experience.

Command Post Remnants

Command Post Remnants

Discover remnants of a command post, offering a tangible connection to the strategic operations of the past.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Exploration

Bois de la Paix Peace Woods is a living memorial. Tread lightly, read the informational boards, and reflect on the sacrifices made. Parking is limited, so arrive early or be prepared for a short walk.

Navigating to the Woods

The access road can be narrow and bumpy, so drive cautiously. While some reviews mention logging activity, the core memorial remains a poignant experience. Consider it a journey to a place of quiet remembrance.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Fewer visitors, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter reflection time
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#bandofbrothers #easycompany #101airbornedivision #bob #bastogne #boisjacques #ww2 #ww2history #battleofthebulge #ardennesoffensive
@citygrilling
159.7K likes • 3M views

🚗 Drive Carefully

Access road is narrow and bumpy. Drive slowly and be mindful of oncoming traffic. Reddit

🌳 Respect the Memorial

This is a place of remembrance. Tread lightly and absorb the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Located next to the town of Foy near Bastogne in the Ardennes Forest, you can still find the foxholes made by the paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division pictured in Band of Brothers #bandofbrothers #101stairborne #bastogne #wo2 #ww2 #easycompany #foy #ardennes #History #1944 #bob #101st
@jan.tasticc
44K likes • 602.7K views
Nuts! #ww2 #militaryhistory #101stairborne #military #bastogne
@prestonstew
33.3K likes • 267.6K views

🅿️ Limited Parking

Only a few parking spots available. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk. Reddit

📚 Read the Boards

Informational boards provide crucial context and stories. Take your time to read them. Reddit

LEGO WWII Bastogne & Battle of the Bulge by Richard Harding | Vehicles by PanzerBrickLabs.com (Sponsored) #lego #wwii
@beyondthebrick
23.6K likes • 216.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully

Access road is narrow and bumpy. Drive slowly and be mindful of oncoming traffic. Reddit

🌳 Respect the Memorial

This is a place of remembrance. Tread lightly and absorb the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

🅿️ Limited Parking

Only a few parking spots available. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk. Reddit

📚 Read the Boards

Informational boards provide crucial context and stories. Take your time to read them. Reddit

📍 Hard to Find

Maps can be tricky. Look for signs carefully; it's worth the effort. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(451 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Bois de la Paix Peace Woods to be a beautiful, peaceful, and deeply moving tribute to fallen soldiers. The concept of a tree for each life lost is particularly impactful, offering a serene and informative experience. While the access road and limited parking can be challenging, the emotional resonance and free entry make it a highly recommended visit for those seeking historical reflection.

"Beautiful, very informative and so peaceful here. A fitting tribute to all the lost souls. (Its also free! - unlike Bois Jacques that is fenced off and you have to pay for 🤯).
Definitely worth driving the narrow bumpy road up to it. Approx 5-6 parking spaces available."

Ness Robinson

"We were able to find a Company or Battalion level command post that was dug by the Support Engineers. We are both retired Army officers. The area is being logged so must of the area that was present during the Defense are no longer there. I have the Grid to the command point. I wished they would have preserved the area that the 101 Airborne defended in Dec 1944"

Mike H

"Such a moving but inspiring place to visit. Take your time and read each info board."

Nathan Betts

What People Like

Peaceful and moving atmosphere
Tree for every soldier
Informative displays

What People Dislike

Narrow, bumpy access road
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The woods are located near Bastogne, Belgium. The access road can be narrow and bumpy, so drive cautiously. Some visitors have noted that GPS can be a bit tricky, so pay close attention to signage. Reddit

Parking is very limited, with only about 5-6 spaces available. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak times, or be prepared for a short walk from where you can find a spot. Reddit

The road leading to the woods is described as narrow and bumpy, with some rubble. While manageable with care, it's not ideal for all vehicle types. Reddit

Yes, a regular car can navigate the road, but it requires slow and careful driving due to its narrowness and uneven surface. Reddit

Public transport options are limited for reaching this specific memorial site. It's generally best accessed by private vehicle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Bois de la Paix Peace Woods is free to visit. It's a fitting tribute that doesn't require admission fees, unlike some other nearby historical sites. Reddit

As an outdoor memorial, Bois de la Paix Peace Woods is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. Reddit

No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit spontaneously during daylight hours. Reddit

Unlike some other historical sites like Bois Jacques, Bois de la Paix Peace Woods is not fenced off, allowing for open access to the memorial grounds. Reddit

While there are no official hours, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and to fully appreciate the memorial. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a peaceful woodland setting with a tree planted for each fallen soldier, informational boards detailing the history, and remnants of a command post. It's a place for quiet reflection. Reddit

The serene woodland setting with memorial trees can be very photogenic, especially during golden hour. However, remember it's a place of solemn remembrance. TikTok

There are no specific facilities like restrooms or visitor centers at Bois de la Paix Peace Woods, as it's a natural memorial site. Reddit

It's a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought and fell during the Battle of the Bulge, with each tree representing a life lost. It's a place to honor their sacrifice. Reddit

Yes, you can walk around freely to explore the memorial. Please be respectful of the trees and the overall atmosphere. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rows of memorial trees create beautiful lines for photography. The informational boards also offer opportunities for capturing historical context. TikTok

Photography is generally acceptable, but always be mindful of the solemn nature of the memorial. Avoid intrusive or disrespectful photo-taking. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. The natural light filtering through the trees can create lovely shots. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of trees. TikTok

There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions, but it's always advisable to check local regulations and be respectful of other visitors and the memorial's purpose. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) can offer beautiful lighting through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere for your photos. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bois de la Paix Peace Woods offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with history in a peaceful, natural setting. While it's not an amusement park, the concept of a tree for every soldier can be a powerful way to explain the impact of war to children. Encourage them to read the informational boards and reflect on the stories. The open woodland allows for gentle exploration, but always supervise children closely due to the uneven terrain and the solemn nature of the site. It's a chance to foster a sense of remembrance and respect for historical events. Reddit

🚶 History Enthusiasts

For those deeply interested in World War II, Bois de la Paix Peace Woods is a must-visit. It provides a more intimate and reflective experience compared to larger museums or battle sites. The presence of informational boards and potential remnants of command posts offer tangible connections to the past. Take your time to absorb the details and understand the significance of this memorial. It's a place where history feels personal and deeply felt. Reddit+1

🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Reflection

This memorial is ideal for solo travelers looking for a quiet and contemplative experience. The serene atmosphere of the woods, combined with the powerful symbolism of the memorial trees, creates a space for personal reflection on peace and sacrifice. The limited parking and less-crowded nature of the site can enhance this introspective journey. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of Bois de la Paix Peace Woods

Bois de la Paix Peace Woods, or 'Peace Woods,' is a poignant memorial established near Bastogne, Belgium. Unlike the more rugged foxholes of Bois Jacques, this site offers a serene and organized tribute to the soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Each tree planted within the woods represents a fallen soldier, creating a living testament to the immense human cost of the conflict. The atmosphere here is one of quiet contemplation and respect, a stark contrast to the battlefield's chaos.

Visitors can explore the peaceful woodland and read informative boards that detail the historical context and honor the individuals commemorated. The presence of remnants from a command post adds a tangible layer to the historical experience, allowing visitors to connect with the strategic aspects of the battle. It's a place designed for reflection, encouraging visitors to pause and remember the sacrifices made for peace. The free entry and the thoughtful dedication of each tree make it a deeply moving and accessible memorial site. Reddit+1

While some reviews mention ongoing logging in the broader area, the core memorial section of Bois de la Paix Peace Woods remains preserved. It's important for visitors to approach this site with reverence, understanding its purpose as a tribute. The limited parking and the somewhat challenging access road are minor considerations compared to the profound emotional impact of walking among the trees, each a silent sentinel of remembrance. Reddit

Navigating to and Experiencing the Memorial

Reaching Bois de la Paix Peace Woods requires a bit of careful navigation. The access road is frequently described as narrow and bumpy, with some sections containing rubble. This means visitors should drive slowly and be prepared for a less-than-smooth journey. While GPS can guide you, it's advisable to be vigilant for any signage indicating the memorial. Parking is also a significant consideration, as there are only a handful of spaces available. Arriving early in the day is highly recommended to secure a spot and experience the woods in a more tranquil setting. Reddit

Once you arrive, the experience is one of quiet reflection. The main draw is the collection of trees, each dedicated to a fallen soldier. Informational boards are strategically placed throughout the woods, offering historical context and personal stories that deepen the visitor's understanding and emotional connection to the site. Some visitors have noted finding remnants of a command post, adding another layer of historical discovery. It's a place where the silence speaks volumes, allowing for personal contemplation of the sacrifices made during the Battle of the Bulge. Reddit

It's important to note that while the memorial itself is a preserved space, some reviews mention that the surrounding area might be subject to logging. This doesn't detract from the core experience of the Peace Woods, but it's a detail to be aware of. The overall sentiment from visitors is that despite the minor challenges in access and parking, the emotional impact and the fitting tribute make Bois de la Paix Peace Woods a highly worthwhile visit for anyone interested in World War II history and remembrance. Reddit

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