Prioux Monument

Below the arcade, on the other side of the Ourthe, is a rather unusual monument featuring the Cross of Lorraine, the symbol of Free France. This monument was erected in memory of Michel Prioux, a young Frenchman in his twenties who joined the American troops after the liberation of Paris in August 1944. In September of the same year, he took part in the liberation of La Roche-en-Ardenne. Unaware of the presence of German snipers in the castle, Michel Prioux was shot and mortally wounded by them on the very spot where his monument now stands. After his death, he was honoured as a true hero by the local population. A few months later, in December 1944, the Germans invaded La Roche again during the Battle of the Bulge. The town was completely destroyed by Allied air raids, with 114 civilian casualties. Although the town was razed to the ground, the 14-18 war memorial and the castle were not damaged.

This monument, built by the Heck company, symbolises the first liberation of the town in September 1944.

It was inaugurated on 18 September 2004 as part of the celebrations marking the sixtieth anniversary of this event.

This monument pays tribute to the only allied casualty to fall during the liberation of September, Michel Prioux.

Rates may vary.

Free of charge.

Timetables may vary.

Accessible all year round.