Blockhaus d'Éperlecques

About the museum

The Blockhaus of Éperlecques is a huge concrete structure that the Germans began building in March 1943. They intended to install there the first autonomous launch base for V2 rockets. The construction work employed local labor and STO forced laborers, and several hectares of forest were cleared. Alerted by the Resistance, the Allies photographed the site, and the first major bombing raid took place on August 27, 1943. Between August 1943 and August 1944, the bunker was bombed twenty-five times.

To continue the work despite the bombs, the engineer Floss devised the so-called tortoise method (méthode de la tortue): a concrete slab five meters thick was poured and then raised in stages with hydraulic jacks. The southern section thus reached a height of 22 meters. In 1944, Tallboy bombs, one of which landed on the north facade, ended the hope of using the site as a single base. The Germans then moved their launches to mobile ramps, and later to the Netherlands.

Open to the public since 1973, the site was listed as a historic monument in 1985. The visit takes place inside the bunker and in a wooded park lined with sound and visual documents. Visitors can also see a V1 launch ramp with its flying bomb, a replica of a V2 rocket on its former launch pad, and explanations of the Tallboy and Disney bombs.

Highlights

• Largest bunker in northern France
• Authentic launch ramp with a V1
• Replica of a V2 on its original launch pad
• Wooded park with audio stations
• Impact mark of a Tallboy bomb on the north facade

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours dans le blockhaus et le parc – Visit of the concrete structure, the V1 launch ramp and the V2 launch pad, with audio and visual explanations of the secret German weapons.

Founded

1973

Admission & discounts

Booking is mandatory for groups and is confirmed upon receipt of a purchase order and a deposit of €54. Payment by cash, bank card and chèques-vacances; cheques are accepted for groups only.

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
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The park is accessible to wheelchair users when accompanied. The visit is available in French Sign Language (LSF). Pets are welcome on a leash.

Kids & families

Family rate for 2 adults and 2 to 5 children aged 7 to 14. Since summer 2026, a free game without a smartphone is offered for groups, families or individuals.

Getting there & parking

Address of the site: rue des Sarts, 62910 Éperlecques.

Amenities & dining

Parking area specially for motorcycles, with free secure storage for equipment.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit