Paliseul 12 Sep
Amiens to Paliseul 162 mile
Our route took us from Amiens along the D1029, passing through the city of Saint Quentin. From there, we followed the D1043, passing the small town of Hirson, before turning northeast along the D5 towards Bruly-de-Pesche a hidden location deep in the Ardennes, known as one of Hitler's bunkers from World War II.
Bruly-de-Pesche is a small, unassuming village in southern Belgium, not far from the French border. Despite its quiet surroundings, it holds significant historical importance. In June 1940, Adolf Hitler set up a secret headquarters here, code-named "Wolfsschlucht I" (Wolf's Gorge I), to oversee the final stages of the Battle of France. The dense and secluded Ardennes forest provided an ideal cover, keeping the bunker hidden from Allied forces.
The bunker complex was designed as a temporary command center, complete with living quarters, communication rooms, and offices for Hitler and his military advisors. It was here that Hitler directed key offensives, including the capitulation of France. Although Hitler's stay was brief, the site was heavily fortified during his time there.
Today, the remnants of this bunker remain as a historical monument. Bruly-de-Pesche now attracts visitors who are interested in its World War II significance. The surrounding Ardennes forest, which played a critical role during the war particularly in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 adds to the weight of history in the area. Hitler’s bunker stands as a sobering reminder of the dark events that shaped Europe during that time.
If you’re ever traveling through the region, I highly recommend a visit to Bruly-de-Pesche to explore this piece of history firsthand.
Paliseul - La Gastronome (1 Michelin Star)
We had dinner at La Gastronome, a Michelin-starred restaurant conveniently located near the train station in Paliseul.
La Gastronome is a prestigious establishment, helmed by the talented chefs Jean Vrijdaghs and Sebastien Hansard. We opted for the 6 course tasting menu, with paired wines.
Their inventive and sophisticated approach to cuisine made for a truly memorable dining experience. Having taken over the establishment a little over six years ago, both chefs have earned an excellent standing in the culinary world, and their personal touch made the evening even more special.
We were fortunate to have them both available for a chat after dinner, and we deeply appreciated their warm hospitality, especially given our prior booking.
For our accommodation, we stayed at Auberge La Hutte Lurette, just a short 10-minute walk from the restaurant. It was the perfect complement to our evening, offering both convenience and comfort.