Fort de Barchon
Fort of the Liège ring, the first to fall in 1914 and later rearmed, with a museum; guided visits by volunteers on the second Sunday of the month.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Fort de Barchon is a large triangular fort of the Brialmont type, on the right bank of the Meuse between Liège and Visé. Built from 1888, it is one of the twelve forts of the Liège fortified position. From 5 to 8 August 1914 it repelled several assaults, but its turrets jammed, gases built up inside and the garrison decided to surrender. It was the first fort of the position to fall.
During the German occupation from 1914 to 1918, the German army recognised its strategic importance and made improvements, notably to the entrance, the ventilation and the protection of the windows. From 1928, the Belgian army decided to rearm and reinforce it: reinforced concrete, deep galleries, a new generator, new armament and an air tower.
On 10 May 1940, the fort faced the German offensive and held out until 18 May. It is now well preserved and houses a small museum. Volunteers from its historical commission lead guided tours and have produced an audiovisual presentation on the fort's history and its resistance during both World Wars. A friends' association has erected a war memorial on the site.
Highlights
- First Liège fort to fall, on 8 August 1914
- Air tower from the 1930s, linked to the fort by a gallery
- 75 mm cupola from the Elsenborn camp
- Small museum inside the fort
- Audiovisual presentation on both World Wars
Permanent exhibition
- Le musée du fort – Small museum set up in the fort, complementing the tour of the galleries and structures.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €5 |
| Groups | €6 per person€6 per adult and €4 per child, with a minimum of €45 per group. |
Books about the fort and the battle of Liège are sold at the café for €6 during the visits.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the Maison du tourisme, most of the visit takes place on one level, making it accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users, and to pushchairs.
Kids & families
- Stroller-friendly
Child rate of €5. According to the Maison du tourisme, the visit can be done with a pushchair.
Getting there & parking
From the E40 motorway, exit 36 (Blegny). Coming from Liège, take the first exit at the first roundabout, cross the bridge, then take the second exit at the second roundabout and the third exit at the third. Coming from Aachen, take the first exit at the first roundabout and the third exit at the second.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Café at the fort entrance, where publications are also sold.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 3 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits are led by volunteer guides from the fort's historical commission. Groups of at least 15 people can visit on other dates by appointment. Wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing. |
