Memory is important in the Ardennes. Numerous battles have forever marked its territory. Memorial tourism therefore has a large place there. As part of this educational approach, a new site has just opened in Stonne to enlighten as many people as possible about the battle that took place in these places.
The “Verdun of 1940”
Planted at a height of 335 meters, Stunned, an Ardennes village south of Sedan and south-east of the Portes du Luxembourg community of communes, was the scene, from May 15, 1940 to May 27, 1940, one of the most important battles of the French campaign opposing the French army to the German forces and which will be remembered after the war as the “Verdun of 1940”.
For several days, the infantry and armor of the two camps clashed, with heavy losses, for control of the village of Stunned and the ridge line on which it is located. The French attacks at Stonne were considered the most dangerous of the western campaign, the village itself will change sides seventeen times in just three days. It will ultimately be an operational victory for the Germans, despite significant losses for their troops. And Stonne, this village, scene of such fierce fighting, was completely destroyed.
An interpretation center
It is in this historical context that in 2019, on proposal from the local association “Ardennes 40, to those who resisted” and the Town Hall of Stonne, the Portes du Luxembourg community of communes decided to construct a building which would have the intended to inform the general public about the events in Stonne during the French campaign of May-June 40.
This interpretation center called the Maison de la Bataille de Stonne was inaugurated on September 15. It has a scenographic space, designed and created for immerse visitors in the heart of the French campaign of 1940 and the Battle of Stonne alongside the combatants. All the senses are awakened during the interpretation tour of the tank battle: audiovisual, sound and tactile. Furthermore, this new tourist facility which enriches the memorial offer of the Portes du Luxembourg territory honors the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom.
Free entry until November 5, 2023
Stonene Battle House is open until November 5, 2023 (end of All Saints’ Day holidays). Its opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 14 a.m. to 18 p.m.. Take the opportunity to visit it. Indeed, exceptionally entry will be free for this end of season.
The Maison de la Bataille de Stonne offers to welcome school groups to highlight this little-known battle of the French Campaign of 1940 which took place on the Ardennes territory while providing a historical, educational and instructive dimension in order to preserve and transmit local history to future generations. These school visits are free, upon reservation at 07 50 75 39 76 or battlestonne@portesduluxembourg.fr
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