The Allies dropped weapons and ammunition with parachutes on the vast field (plaine Balaine) during the Second World War. The nightly supplies were announced via coded messages on the BBC. There was heavy fighting here with the Germans in 1944.

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Marc 🚶‍♂️

November 16, 2025

Hiking

Boszoom with a look back over the Condroz fields towards Pailhe

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Peter 🥾🐾🌲

October 30, 2025

Hiking

Plaine Baleine refers to a historic, wooded area known as a parachute landing zone during World War II. The name "La Baleine" (meaning "the whale" in French) was the code word for this landing zone for weapons, ammunition, and equipment, located in the wooded area between the municipalities of Vyle-Tharoul, Modave, and Pailhe. The area therefore primarily has historical significance linked to the resistance movement and the resistance against the occupying forces in 1944. It is surrounded by forests and tranquil nature, reminiscent of the natural environment around Modave.

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Details

Informations

Distance 260 m

Uphill 10 m

Weather

Friday 20 March

13°C

2°C

-- %

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Take Me There

Location: Marchin, Huy, Liège, Wallonie, Wallonia, Belgium

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View of the Plaine Baleine

1. Château de Saint-Fontaine – Saint-Fontaine Village loop from Château de Modave

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