Chateau de la Paix

On the afternoon of 16 June 1815, just a few months after returning to power from exile on Elba, Napoleon confronted the Prussian army under Field Marshal Blücher near the villages of Ligny and Saint-Amand, close to Fleurus. In one of the bloodiest engagements of the Napoleonic Wars, he achieved what would become his final military victory. The Prussians were forced to retreat – but crucially, not decisively defeated.

After the battle, Napoleon retired for the night to the Château de la Paix. His generals and staff were headquartered nearby at the Château de Zualart, while the injured were taken to Saint-Victor’s Church, temporarily converted into a field hospital. Napoleon also used the Moulin Naveau, a windmill in the area, as an observation post during the fighting.

Pascal Brackman