Clervaux Castle (in Luxembourgish : Schlass Klierf and in German : Schloss Clerf), is a feudal castle which dates from the twelfth century and overlooking the medieval village of the same name, in the middle of the Ardennes landscape. In 1944, during the Ardennes offensive, the castle suffered major damage after the bombardment by German troops. Reduced to the state of ruins, the State bought the castle and proceeded to the restoration which helps it to recover all its splendor.

Today, the municipal administration, as well as the Museum of models of the castles of Luxembourg and the Museum of the Battle of the Ardennes are installed in the castle. It is in one of its wings that is also the famous photographic collection signed Edward Steichen, "The Family of Man".

Because of the exceptional measures aimed at religious congregations, the monks of Glanfeuil Abbey (near Angers) went into exile in 1901 before being received in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In 1909, a new abbey is started : it is built in neo-Romanesque style on the heights of the small town of Clervaux, in the north of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Its splendid clunisian bell tower stands like a lighthouse for the whole surrounding area. In January 1941, the monks were expelled from their abbey by the German authorities occupying the Grand Duchy. The monks can re-integrate the building only in 1945.

The abbey is affiliated to the Congregation of Solesmes. According to the rule of St. Benedict, the monks divide their time between the common choral prayer, the meditative study of Sacred Scripture (Lectio divina) and the intellectual or manual work (Ora et labora). The Divine Office calls them to meet seven times at the church for the various 'hours', punctuating their day with the singing of the psalms to the glory of God. The solemn Eucharistic community and public celebration is the center of their lives. The abbey also illustrates the tradition of Gregorian chant, as a foundation ofSolesmes. In particular, his choirmaster Dom Pierre Thomas was appointed professor of Gregorian chant in 1948 at the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome. However, he died suddenly in 1951.

The house "A Schiewesch" in Binsfeld is over 300 years old and has been home to a rural museum since 1988. In this museum, visitors can immerse themselves in the life and work of the peasants from the 19th century to the present day. The peasant life is explained by different exhibitions, ranging from daily work to village traditions. Recently, the museum has been completely renovated. Some 50 different themes of rural life are represented in a very lively way. Illustrated panels and showcases provide the visitor with a glimpse of life in the Ardennes villages. Surprises await visitors by browsing the different rooms and make him understand the development of peasant life and the evolution of techniques used.

The garden of Wiltz is a living work of art of 2.5ha. This art garden has been developed and maintained by people with disabilities, long-term unemployed, participants of temporary workshops, artisans and artists.

Around the year 1000, a wooden fort was transformed into a castle of stones (the excavations have uncovered Roman structures, Merovingian, Carolingian and Ottonian). In 1477, is built the current forecourt. It allows to better protect the only access to the castle : construction of a large gate protected by outdoor palisades, a large bastion of artillery and a moat flanked by 4 towers with drawbridge. In 1512, the Bourscheid family died due to the lack of a direct heir. The new lords develop new lodgings and in 1650 the chapel (now disappeared) is enlarged. In 1812, the castle was auctioned while it was already in a state of disrepair. In 1936, the ruins of the castle are classified as historical monuments and the Luxembourg State acquires them in 1972. The house of Stolzembourg and the house of the porter are then rebuilt and covered towers. Consolidation work is still ongoing.

The first traces of construction of the castle of Vianden date back to the middle of the fifth century of our era. Its construction began in the Roman era and continued in the Carolingian era. The majority of buildings were erected between the 11th and 14th centuries. The castle has undergone many changes, there are nine different architectural epochs, from the fifth century to the present day. Since 1977, it has been owned by the Luxembourg State, which

Restores in respect of historical forms. Excavations have revealed the presence of a fort built under the Lower Empire and a first Carolingian medieval wall built in the ninth century. The apogee of the Counts of Vianden is from the 12th century to the 13th century, and it is from this period, transition between Romanesque and Gothic, that most of the castle's buildings date. The castle is today a monument of European rank.

It is a trip in the past that you undertake by visiting this museum, in the heart of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is covered with snow and that the German army launches on a vast front, its last desperate offensive against the allies of the West. Other sections present the history of the Luxembourg army and Luxembourg veterans on the spot.

A 2-hour circuit to observe the local flora and fauna and provide an introduction to the history of the lake. The boat stops at the Burfelt for a visit to the forest discovery center.

It is probably in the eleventh century that the castle is erected. It is a small square fortress perched on a rock and protected by a moat and a second wall above the valley. A reference dating from 1192 indicates that Wauthtier de Wiltz and Beaufort is the first lord. In 1348, the property passes to the House of Orley following the marriage of Adelaïde de Beaufort and Guillaume de Orley. The lords of Orley realize important enlargements. In 1477, Maximilian of Austria grants the castle to Jean Bayer of Boppard after Jean de Orley-Beaufort lost his confidence. In 1539, Bernard de Velbrück became the lord of Beaufort by marriage and added a wing of Renaissance style adorned with cross over the medieval walls.

The castle then goes to the hands of Gaspard de Heu, who married Velbrück's granddaughter. Partisan of the Dutch resistance and the House of Orange, de Heu is captured by the Spaniards, accused of heresy and betrayal, and executed on the public square of the Marché-aux-Pisces of Luxembourg in 1593.

Philip II of Spain confiscated the property and entrusted it to Pierre-Ernest I of Mansfeld, governor of Luxembourg. By marriage, the castle becomes the property of Henri de Chalon then Gaspard du Bost-Moulin, which is forced to sell it after it was reduced to ruins during the Thirty Years War. By order of the King of Spain, Jean de Beck, governor of Luxembourg, bought a large part of the property in 1639. He is at the origin of the construction of the Renaissance castle which begins in 1643. It is his son who will complete works in 1649, after John of Beck died in 1648 from his wounds received at the Battle of Lens.

After several changes of owners, including Pierre de Coumont (1774) and Jean Théodore Baron de Tornaco-Vervoy (1781), the castle is abandoned and falls into ruins. It is even used as a career in the early nineteenth century. In 1893, the new owner, Henri Even, restored the building and in 1928, Edmond Linkels cleared the rubble and opened the medieval castle to visitors. In 1981, the property is bought by the State and the whole site is classified national monument since 1988.

Today, the prestigious furnishings of the interior, the gardens, the stables and the distillery are preserved in the same states as during the days when the last owners lived in the castle.

This museum presents a collection on the US Army, including B-17 bombers. The original equipment and uniforms give a detailed overview of the life of an airman during the Second World War. Presentation of a F16 Fighting Falcon flight simulator

The witness of a big industry :

At the beginning of the 20th century, Luxembourg was one of the largest steel producers in Europe. In Rumelange, in the heart of the former mining area, this industry has changed the history and society of the country, as well as the local natural area.

An impressive site :

The museum is located in the former Walert mine. A network of several kilometers of galeries makes it possible to experience underground work On the surface, an exhibition building, a brewery and a playground complete the ensemble.

The underground visit :

The surface parts are freely accessible. The underground tour is done in groups accompanied by a guide and brought to the bottom by a mining train. The visit lasts two hours in all. Visitors are advised to put on walking shoes and bring warm clothing, the temperature in the mine being 10 ° C throughout the year and 90% relative.