Musée du Corps de Cavalerie Français
Small museum on the French Cavalry Corps, which confronted German armour in May 1940, with uniforms, weapons, maps and photos.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is dedicated to the memory of the French Cavalry Corps of 1940. The units of General Prioux (the 2nd and 3rd Light Mechanised Divisions) had been given the mission of covering the deployment of the French 1st Army. From 12 to 14 May 1940, they opposed the German XVI Panzerkorps in what is considered the first tank battle of the Second World War, in the area of Jandrain and Orp-Jauche.
The museum opened its doors in April 1959. It presents documents, maps, photos, items of equipment, weapons, ammunition and uniforms from all the French regiments that took part in these battles. The items were donated by soldiers' widows and residents of the region.
The museum is part of the Belgium Battlefield of Europe network of the War Heritage Institute and benefits from the advice of specialists from the Musée royal de l'Armée (Royal Army Museum). It is managed by its curator, Richard de Hennin. A monument to French cavalry, at the exit of Jandrain on the road to Jauche, also commemorates these battles; the names of the units engaged appear on its horseshoe-shaped low wall.
Highlights
- Uniforms, weapons and ammunition of French regiments from May 1940
- Rare documents, maps and photos of the battles
- Site of the first tank battle of the Second World War
- Visit with the curator
- Cavalry monument nearby
Permanent exhibition
- Corps de Cavalerie français – mai 1940 – Documents, maps, photos, equipment, weapons, ammunition and uniforms of the French regiments engaged on 12, 13 and 14 May 1940.
- Founded
- 1959
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €2 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free for children under 12. |
Preferential rates possible for groups (according to a regional tourist brochure).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum is at Chaussée de Wavre 61, in Jandrain (Orp-Jauche). The monument to French cavalry is at the exit of Jandrain, on the road to Jauche.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Toilets on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visit with the curator, in French or Dutch, by appointment. |