Centre historique Valmy 1792

The view from the foot of the Valmy windmill is 360°: what can be seen from this vantage point?
The Argonne massif and its vast broadleaf and coniferous forest
lie to the east, between the Marne, the Meuse and the Ardennes.
The vast cultivated expanses of the Champagne chalklands offer
an insight into how the landscape and agricultural life have
evolved since the mid-20th century. Our guided tours give visitors
a different take on this landscape, by recalling the position of
French and Prussian troops at the Battle of Valmy.

Much use is made of the latest technology at this new historical site: what would you say was the highlight?
The warring parties engaging in battle. The fighting begins and
visitors are invited to relive the action. A large resin relief model
measuring 4 m by 2.5 m, with video images projected onto it,
reproduces the movements of troops from the early hours of
the battle through to dusk. From the sound of artillery fire to the smell of gunpowder, visitors step straight into history!

A few months ago, the site took delivery of a machine of war: what is it?
A rare piece of artillery: a French Gribeauval 12-pound field cannon. The piece, weighing 1.5 tonnes, bears the name of the engineer who revolutionised French artillery in the second half of the 18th century: Jean-Baptiste Vaquette de Gribeauval (1715-1789).

Why is the Valmy 1792 history centre dug into the ground?
The Valmy 1792 history centre was designed as a part-buried structure built into the hillside. Its simple design follows the contours of the site, preserving its authenticity and keeping the windmill as the focal point. The roof was laid with soil planted with vegetation, so that it blends in almost totally with
the landscape.

What is special about the Valmy 1792 history centre?
Its design is resolutely contemporary and offers visitors the opportunity to plunge into the turmoil of the French Revolution. Each theme is presented by a contemporary figure, who addresses himself to visitors: Danton, generals Kellermann and Dumouriez, and the German writer Goethe. Historical accuracy is central to the display, but fun, interactive tools are what help give visitors a good understanding of the battle.