janisj

Some of you have seen my other thread - now I've discovered more details and have a better idea where I want to stay. My Dad was in the battle of the Bulge and especially fighting for Elsenborn Ridge. I originally thought I wanted to stay near Bastogne but w/ some new details I've learned, I now know a few villages where my Dad's platoon was.

So w/ that info . . . Here are my current thoughts -- I'm taking the Eurostar/local train from London through to Brugge. Staying just 1 night. The next afternoon I want to travel back across the country to the area SE of Liege for 3 nights/2 full days. After that I'll travel to Amsterdam for 3 nights and back to London for a few days.

So my main questions are:

1) Good town to base in for exploring the bulge area? Needs to have train service or convenient bus service from a rail hub. Will spend most of my time around there but may take an afternoon to visit Bastogne and/or La Roche en Ardenne.

2) And if anyone has specific hotel recommendations - great. I know 'your budget?' is the next question (That's what I'd ask ). But this is really sort of a bucket list quest so in a way most any budget will work. Just need the 'right property' and it is only for 3 nights.

3) I don't plan on renting a car but if that is the best/only option I will. My hope is to hire a local driver/guide for a day or 1.5 days to get to some of the sites. Any ideas for a guide/contacts in the area?

Thanks for any help/advice

John

I was in Bastogne two years ago and took a tour with Henri Mignon who is a native of Bastogne and was a child witness and victim of the battle. Excellent tour with first hand stories of the battle. He has a set tour or will modify it depending on your request. Tell him where your dad was and what outfit he was in he'll take you to the area. Can't say enough about this man!!
His website is;www.mardasson.com and email is: [email protected].
.

janisj

Thanks. I had heard about Henri -- but thought he really concentrated around Bastogne. I'll contact him and see if he can do what I need. And if not, maybe he can hook me up w/ someone else.

tower

Janis. I see you have lef your other post regarding the bulge area. The last thing I sent you was a very clear, sharp map of the Elsenborn Ridge and several towns and villages in the vicinity. You might take a look.

I don't think I ever wanted to see a poster succeed in his/her search more than you. It's a most noble mission the way I see it. Somewhere, your dad is glowing with pride. Good luck! Please keep us posted .
stu

Andrew

Going to Luxembourg too? I checked out the military museum in Diekirch - feels a bit old in its depictions of the Battle of the Bulge but still kind of fun. Helps to know the story of the battle before entering the museum, however, because the museum doesn't really tell it.

janisj

tower -- Yes I bookmarked that link you gave me. Thanks.

Andrew: >>Going to Luxembourg too?<<

I don't think there's time this trip, but I travel to the UK and general western Europe 2 or 3 times a year so maybe another trip.

janisj

topping for any more suggestions -- specifically for a convenient town or village for a base.

Have e-mailed Henri Mignon and hope to hear something over the weekend.

PalenQ

Why not ask Henri Mignon that question?

BTW that dude has a sweet name - Mignon in French means: soft, kind, cute, really nice - like about a little kid - she's mignon! a very common word in French so it makes one kind of laugh with such a name - ask him about that! Makes one think if that is his real name!

tower

Janis..this is an intriguing story about Bastogne, St, Vith, Elsenborn and other towns in the vicinity of the Bulge. Well written by a Belgian.
http://99div.com/direct/explaining_t...20626174746c65

pariswat

hi Janis
Can't help much with your trip but give my regards to your Dad if he is still around - I'm a Belgian and we owe our liberty to people like your Dad.

Just one info - Elsenborn is a 'big' military base for the belgian army - some places may be forbidden to enter. At least it was 20 years ago when I was in the army - it was used for artillery practice.

Err a little more than 20 years ago... shoooot.

janisj

>>Err a little more than 20 years ago... shoooot.<<

Happens to all of us

Thanks -- no my Dad passed away a few years ago age 88

I had heard of the airbase but I <i>think</i> it is some distance from Rocherath-Krinkelt (one villages where my dad was) and the ridge itself.