Musée-Mémorial du Linge

About the museum

From July 20 to October 16, 1915, the Linge massif in the Vosges was the scene of fierce fighting between French and German troops, for very limited strategic stakes. More than 6,000 soldiers lost their lives there. The site had been listed as a historic monument since 1921 but lay abandoned when, in 1968, a first team of volunteers launched the “Opération du Souvenir” to clear and restore the trenches. A committee was set up in October 1968 to build a memorial housing a museum of remembrance.

The museum opened in June 1981 on the initiative of history enthusiasts and former servicemen, with help from donations from families and individuals. It is run entirely by an association under local law with about seventy volunteers. The preserved battlefield is listed as a historic monument and belongs to the State; the museum buildings belong to the commune of Orbey, which has entrusted their management to the association.

The visit unfolds in three stages: a 20-minute film, then the museum, on two levels, with a chronological route from 1914 to 1918, a reconstructed German trench, a 65 mm mountain gun, the equipment of both armies, a French first-aid post and themed display cases. The visit continues on the battlefield, where three trails of differing difficulty lead to the northern spur, which offers a panoramic view as far as the Haut-Koenigsbourg.

Highlights

• 20-minute film on the 1915 battle
• Reconstructed German trench inside the museum
• Three trails through the restored trenches of the battlefield
• Panoramic view from the northern spur and orientation table
• Guided visits and night walks in July and August

Permanent exhibitions

• Musée de la bataille du Linge – Chronological route from 1914 to 1918 over two floors, with a reconstructed German trench, the equipment of both armies, a first-aid post and themed display cases.
• Champ de bataille et tranchées – Three trails of differing difficulty through the restored trenches, with panels in three languages and a panoramic view from the northern spur.

Founded

1981

Operated by

Association Le Mémorial du Linge

Admission & discounts

Tickets are sold on site or online; payment by bank card is accepted. Self-guided visits require no reservation.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility (ramp, lift, adapted toilets and one accessible parking space). The battlefield is a hiking trail and is not wheelchair accessible; the blue trail, with a gentle slope, is easy to walk. Only guide dogs are admitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

The “Sur les traces des soldats” activity booklet, handed out on arrival, and interactive terminals let children aged 7 to 11 explore the museum and the battlefield (in French only). Children must not run in the museum or climb in the trenches.

Getting there & parking

The site is at the Collet du Linge in Orbey, about 20 kilometres west of Colmar.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

No drinks or food can be bought on site, so visitors should bring their own. The Glassborn and Mussmiss farm inns are less than 2 km away. Three picnic tables are located 50 metres away in the neighbouring forest.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit