Twenty minutes by sea off the coast of Marseille, on the smallest island in the Frioul archipelago, not far from the islands of Pomègues and Ratonneau, the island of If displays its three hectares of limestone rock. Until the 16th Century, If was a wild islet, an occasional refuge for pirates and smugglers, or fishermen caught out by storms. In 1516, François 1st became aware of the place's strategic importance and decided to build a fortress there as an outpost of the town, designed to control entry into the Phocean port. Work began in 1524 and was completed in 1531. The fortifications consisted of ramparts erected on the white rocks, and a keep flanked by three round towers, linked by high walls and equipped to house a defensive system composed of heavy artillery.

The structure still retains the oppressive appearance of a feudal chateau of pre-bastion craftsmanship, but it is definitely a fortress, most notably because of its corner towers, which are more compact than medieval towers. Housing canons whose range was no more than 150 metres, the château d'If could not fulfil its defensive duty during the siege of Marseille in 1536 by Charles Quint's troops. Having never experienced war, the fortress was converted into a state prison at the end of the 17th century. From 1689 onwards, many protestants died within the damp walls of its terrible dungeons, whilst more favourable conditions of imprisonment were offered to eminent prisoners, wayward women or the bad boys of the family, such as the young Mirabeau.
The insurgents of 1848, the communards: the château d'If held political prisoners before losing its prison status in 1890, when it was opened to the public. Today, within the compound's walls, commemorative plaques still evoke the memory of the thousands of protestants and political internees of 1848. Contrary to the legend, the Iron Mask and the Marquis de Sade were never incarcerated at the château d'If. Between myth and reality, the château d'If also conjures up images of Alexandre Dumas' "Count of Monte-Cristo", although José Custodio Faria and Edmond Dantès probably never stayed there. During the First World War, Germans and then French draft dodgers were detained there. Classified as a historic monument in 1926, the château was taken over by German troops during the Second World War.
Château d'If Ports Iles du Frioul 13000 Marseille Crossings Embarkation: 1, quai de la Fraternité - Old Port - Marseille Tickets available on the day from the ticket office. Reservations for groups by fax on + 33 (0) 4.42.82.33.48. Opening times 1st May to 31st August, every day from 9 am to 6.30 pm 1st September to 31st March, every day except Monday from 9 am to 5.30 pm 1st to 30th April, every day from 9 am to 5.30 pm Last entry depends on the timetable of the boat Closed: 25th December and 1st January Full (adult) price: 5 € Reduced rate (18 to 25 years old): 3,50 € Group rate (from 20 adults): 4,20 € Free up to and including 17 years old Marseille Tourist Information Office Tel. +33 (0) 4 91 13 89 00 - fax +33 (0)4 91 13 89 20 E-mail: info@marseille-tourisme.com

The citadel of Besançon, Vauban's masterwork, was built between 1668 and 1711 and covers 11 hectares. It looks down from a height of more than 100 metres on the old town, which is nestled in a magnificent loop formed by a meander of the Doubs river. The citadel is a remarkably restored fortress, which is nowadays a unique place of great cultural and tourist importance that enables visitors to experience history and life.

The Resistance and Deportation Museum, which is housed in the enclosure of the citadel, takes the visitor on a voyage through history organised around 20 exhibition halls, half of which are dedicated to Nazism, Nazi repression and the concentration camps. It also contains a documentation centre and educational service. Finally, visitors can also see an exhibition of paintings by Jean DALIGAULT made on scraps of paper that were kept by surviving comrades. Jean DALIGAULT was deported to and executed in Dachau in March 1944. There is also an exhibition of rough sketches made while on the move by Léon DELARBRE, a member of the Resistance arrested in 1944 and deported to Auschwitz, Buchenwald, Dora and Bergen-Belsen.

Tourist information: /33 (0)3 81 87 83 33

E-mail: :sem.lacitadelle@besancon.com 

Opening hours The citadel is open daily, except on 25 December and 1 January: 9:00 to 19:00 from July 5 -August 31 9:00 to 18:00 from 29 March to 4 July and 31 August 24 October 10:00 to 17:00 in low season.

Opening hours may be subject to slight amendments. Recommended duration of visit: At least half a day on site. Museums closed on Tuesdays between All Saints' Day and Easter.

Dogs are not permitted.

Admission Adults: 8.20 € Concession: 6.80 € Children (4 -14 years): 4.60 € Children (-4 years) Free. Group and regular visitor rates are also available.

The Resistance and Deportation Museum Free for school groups. Open all year round.

The Resistance and Deportation Museum La Citadelle 25000 BESANÇON - Telephone. /33 (0)3 81 83 37 14

In West Africa, tata is a Wolof word meaning “plot of sacred land”, the place where warriors killed in combat are buried.

In Chasselay, in the Rhône, this name takes on its true meaning when you delve into the local annals and learn the history of the events that took place here during the Second World War.

The battles

On 19 and 20 June 1940, ignorant of the fact that Lyon had just been declared an “open city”, the 25^th Senegalese Infantry Regiment confronted the German army in Chasselay and the surrounding area.

Despite their bravery, they were finally forced to lay down arms. The battles were terminated by the massacre of African prisoners by the SS division Totenkopf (Death’s Head).

The tata

Rectangular in shape, surrounded by high walls surmounted on each corner and above the entrance by a spiked pyramid, the tata is architecturally inspired by Sudanese architecture.

The massive oak door bears eight different stylised sculpted masks displaying idols that keep watch over the deceased at rest. The surrounding walls and grave stones are red ochre in colour.

The cemetery holds the remains of 196 infantrymen of various nationalities from West Africa. They originated from Senegal but also Burkina Faso (Upper Volta at the time), Dahomey, Sudan, Chad and other nations.

The origins of the cemetery

This unique building in France is owed to Jean Marchiani. A veteran of the war of 1914-1918, in 1940 he held the position of General Secretary of the Departmental Office of disabled ex-servicemen, veterans and victims of war.

As soon as he heard about the events of 19 and 20 June, he decided to bring together the bodies of the African soldiers, some of whom were buried in local cemeteries while others were often simply left to lay in ditches in the middle of the countryside.

After identifying the villages where bodies were buried, Jean Marchiani bought a plot of land in Chasselay, near the locality of Vide-Sac where 50 Senegalese prisoners were shot by the enemy, and raised funds. He was backed by General Doyen, former commander of the Army of the Alps, and Senegal Deputy Calendou Diouf.

The inauguration took place on 8 November 1942, three days before the invasion of the free zone by the Germans.

This memorial and site for contemplation was classified as a national cemetery in 1966. The property of the Ministry of Defence, it is managed by the interdepartmental department of veterans’ affairs for the Rhône-Alpes region.

Nécropole nationale de Chasselay (Chasselay National Cemetery)

Getting there: Take the D100 in the direction of Les Chères Chasselay (Rhône)

Opening times: 10 am to 6 pm

Guided tours: 10 am to 12 pm and 2-5 pm

Admission: free of charge

Built at the beginning of the 15th century (in 1402), the Noble Tower was completed under King Philippe the Good. Designed using regional materials (Lezennes stone), it is covered with earth for protection against the cold and fire, with a width of 14 m and walls that are 3-m thick. The masonry and mouldings date from the Burgundy period. The “Noble Tower” has existed for 6 centuries.

Destroyed during Louis XIV’s siege, it was restored by Vauban. The upper section is missing, however, as is the ground floor, which has been buried. Inside we can admire the gothic vault and the urn symbolising the Martyrdom of the Deportees.

 

The urn inside the Noble Tower contains the ashes and cremated remains of deportees who were horribly murdered in the death camps. The cover, in bronze, bears the names of the camps in raised lettering.

Departmental Resistance and Deportation Memorial
Rue des Déportés in Lille

The site is open to the public during commemorative events, such as the last Sunday in April each year for the Deportation Commemoration Day and for the Historic Monuments Open House Days in September.

Information: for group visits, contact the Cultural Service at +33 (0)3 20 49 52 81.

Lille Tourism Office
Palais Rihour Place Rihour BP 205 59002 LILLE Cedex

Tel. from France: 0891 56 2004
Tel. from abroad: +33 (0)359 579 400

Website of the Regional Tourism Committee of the Nord region

Website of the Nord Department Tourism Committee

Website of the Lille Tourism Office

Quiz: Forts and citadels

This 38 metre high islet with its natural beauty, battered by wind and tide, overlooks the entrance to the Brest Narrows. Protected by the sea but accessible at low tide, it has been used as a refuge since prehistoric times. Its position made it highly coveted, and the Dukes of Brittany set Le Perzel Château on it in the 5th century. However, its moment of glory came during the 17th century, when the King's engineer proposed that the island be fortified by building on the existing ruins. Vauban established a battery which was involved in driving back the English.

At the end of the 19th century, the islet was abandoned and a more powerful battery was created on land, behind it. The last time it was armed was by the Germans, who sited 75mm and 20mm canons on it, and hid machine guns around the fort. Under heavy bombardment, it surrendered to American troops in September 1944.

Bertheaume lay abandoned for 45 years until it was reborn out of its turbulent history in 1992. After Herculean restoration work (when workmen physically carried materials to the site) it was opened to the public once again.

Today, the accurately restored site invites you to discover its past through numerous exhibitions and events.

Bertheaume Fort

Tel: +33.(0)2.98.48.26.41

Group visits can be arranged on request. Evening visit entitled "Tales of Bertheaume": every Wednesday in summer

Open April to November: 5 April to 4 May 2pm to 6.30pm every day. 5 May to 27 June and 6 to 28 September, 2pm to 6.30pm Tuesday to Sunday. 28 June to 31 August: 10am to 7pm.
October: 2pm to 6pm on Wednesdays and Sundays, 25 October to 2 November 2pm to 6.30pm every day. Open 2pm to 6pm on 5, 8, 9, 10 and 11 November.

Ticket office closes 1 hour before the site.
 

Entrance: Adults: €3.80 Preferential rate: €2.90 Reduced tariff (young people aged 12-18, students and job seekers): €2.10 Children aged 6-11: €0.80
 

Plougonvelin village official website

Cette maison fut le lieu de retrouvailles familiales pendant toute son enfance et sa jeunesse. C’est dans une famille unie autour de valeurs communes (patriotisme, ferveur religieuse, sens de l’engagement…) et dans un contexte géopolitique en plein bouleversement, que s’est forgé le caractère du futur Président de la Ve République.

Monument historique, la Maison natale Charles de Gaulle a pour vocation de faire découvrir à un large public l’enfance et la genèse de celui qui deviendra le plus illustre des français.

La Maison natale Charles de Gaulle a fait l’objet d’une campagne de travaux de grande ampleur en 2020 qui a permis de conforter la structure de l’habitation mais aussi de la rénover complètement (décors restaurés, pièces de vie réhabilitées, jardin d’hiver restitué…). La maison recrée l’ambiance d’un intérieur caractéristique de la bourgeoisie industrielle du Nord à la fin du XIXe siècle telle que Charles l’a connue enfant.

Une visite 100 % immersive !

Fermont Fort, located 5km east of Longuyon in the north of the Meurthe et Moselle, an area popular with tourists known as the "triangle of fire", ranks with Simershof and Hackenberg among the largest Maginot line fortifications to be open to the public.

This large fortification, built between May 1931 and February 1936 is part of La Crusnes fortified area. It is made up of seven combat blocks and two entrance blocks (for men and ammunition) linked by a network of over two kilometres of underground passageways.

In June 1940, under the command of Captain Aubert, the fort valiantly resisted several attacks by the Germans. On 17 June combat block no. 4 was attacked unsuccessfully. Another assault four days later against the entire fortification resulted in the loss of 80 soldiers (killed or wounded) on the German side and just one fatality and one serious injury on the French side. Although undefeated, the soldiers of Fermont Fort crew were obliged by orders from French command to surrender on 27 June 1940.

At the entrance to the fortification, a memorial in memory of the troops "delivered unbeaten to the enemy" is a just reminder that the majority of the fortifications on the Maginot line were still standing firm in the face of the enemy when the Armistice took effect on 25 June 1940.

The French Ministry of Defence, which owns the 27-hectare site, passed its upkeep, management and promotion to the Friends of Fort Fermont Fortification and the Maginot Line Association (AAOFLM) in 1975.

The site, which has been open to the public since 12 June 1977, is visited by an average of 20,000 people each year. The two-hour trip begins in front of the munitions entrance. Visitors enters a goods lift to travel 30 metres underground to the heart of the fortification, and are then directed towards the munitions magazine (M1), within which a museum depicting the daily life of the crew of the fort has been created. They then travel on a small train - an authentic shunter - to combat block no. 4. From outside the fortification, on the top of the structure, visitors can admire an impressive artillery bunker with 3 crenels measuring 75mm. A few hundred meters beyond lies no. 1 block with its 75mm turret.

After walking outside, visitors return inside the fortification. They board another small train to the barracks and electricity plant with its four 225 horsepower diesel generators, designed for use should the external electricity supply have been cut off. The conclusion to the visit is the exterior museum featuring a large number of artillery exhibits, including three turrets recovered from Brehain fortification (around 12km south-east of Longwy, on the plateau which faces Luxembourg).

During the summer, the association organises a number of events in addition to these visits. In August 2003 the Fermont Fortification was transformed into a giant exhibition venue for the work of contemporary artists from the region. It was also completely metamorphosed in March 2003 when a part of Olivier Dahan's film "Crimson Rivers 2: Angels of the Apocalypse" was filmed there with Christopher Lee, Jean Réno and Benoît Magimet. The Meurthe et Moselle Departmental Council was conscious of the need to preserve the fortification without damaging it. It commissioned a study into realising the potential of Fermont Fort from a specialised consultancy, which resulted in a credible, sustainable plan for the promotion of the site as a tourist attraction.

Fremont Fort

Contacts: Friends of Fort Fermont fortification and the Maginot Line association

9, rue Albert Lebrun 54260 LONGUYON

Tel: +33 (0)3 82 39 35 34

Fax: +33 (0)3 82 39 26 46

email :ligne.maginot.fort.de.fermont@wanadoo.fr

Administration office staffed: Monday - Wednesday 2pm to 6pm and Friday 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm.

Please wear warm clothing and suitable shoes.

Allow two hours for your visit.

Opening hours and tours:

1 - 30 April Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 2pm to 3.30pm

1 May to 30 June one single visit Monday to Friday at 3pm, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays 2pm to 3.30pm

1 July to 31 August every day from 2pm to 4.30pm

1 September to 3rd weekend in the month open every day, visits at 2pm and 3.30pm

3rd weekend in September to 31 October Saturdays and Sundays, visits at 2.30pm and 4pm

Open every day all year round for groups, by appointment with the administration office.

Entrance: Adults: €8, Children aged 7-12: €5 Group: €6 (30 people minimum)

Official Fermont Fort website

Fortweb website on European fortifications

Erected in 1927 by René Quillivic, in memory to the soldiers who died for France during the wars waged in the 20th century.

In homage to these men, the small defensive fort has been turned into a cenotaph where everyone can congregate in their memory.

A place of remembrance for the victims and past conflicts, this funerary space , handed down from generation to generation, is sure to affect and speak out to all its visitors.

The two crosses: these two neighbouring steles mounted with a cross, today known as the “monks' gallows”, have been adorned with religious insignia since the iron age.

Set in the ruins of the Benedictan abbey, the lighthouse dates from 1835. Standing 58 metres above sea level, the top can be reached by the 163 steps and makes the perfect spot from which to admire the splendid panoramic view from the Crozon peninsular to Ouessant. Don’t think twice about mounting the stairway, the unspoilt view of the islands is more than worth the small effort.

The Abbey

Listed as a Historic Monument in 1867, the Abbey, which dates from the 6th century and is now in ruins, continues to attract admiration still today. Every year on the first of August, the Abbey hosts amidst its ruins the Pardon of St Matthew celebration, a traditional religious ceremony that has survived the decades.

The Maurist convent and cellar. The museum of the Abbey of St Matthew: This museum, set up in the centre of the Abbey grounds, presents the site, the monastic life of its former inhabitants and the Abbey through history.

A 17-minute video explains to visitors why this site is so unique.

The chapel: Once the church of St Matthew's parish, today it contains ancient statues and engravings that evoke the past of the saints venerated on this site.

Museum

Tel: +33 (0)2 98 89 10 52

“The Friends of St Matthew” association

Tel: +33 (0)2 98 48 35 73

Tourist Information Office

Tel: +33 (0)2 98 48 30 18

Lighthouse visits

Opening times

From 7 April to 30 April: Every day except Tuesday (closed) from 2.00 to 6.30 pm

May and June: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (also open 7 and 18 May) from 2.00 to 6.30 pm

July and August: daily from 10 am to 7.30 pm

From 1 to 16 September: every day except Tuesday (closed) from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 and 6.30 pm

From 17 to 30 September: Every day except Tuesday (closed) from 2.00 to 6.30 pm

From 27 October to 7 November (also open 8 to 11 November): every day except Tuesday (closed) from 2.00 to 5.30 pm

From 22 December to 6 January: every day except Tuesday (closed) from 2.00 to 5.30 pm (also closed 25 December and 1 January).

Ticket with abbey museum €3 for over 10s, €1 4 to 9 years, free for under 4s

In summer: St Mathieu and Trézien (Plouarzel) lighthouse visitor pass €4 for over 10s, €2 for 4-9 years

Site officiel de la commune de Plougonvelin

Fort Penthièvre is located at the base of the Quiberon peninsula. It was once called the Palice headland and was responsible for controlling access to the peninsula. Most importantly, it overlooks the 15 km or so of the Penthièvre beach, which is suitable for landing. Several forces had indeed landed there over the centuries: the Dutch in 1674 and the English in 1746. It was the pillaging of the peninsula by the latter which raised awareness of the vulnerability of its defences. In 1747 the construction of a fort was approved. This was to take the form of an enormous bastion built on a rocky promontory, blocking the only access to the peninsula. At this point, the lagoon bar was only a few dozen metres wide. During the Revolution, Fort Penthièvre would become a battleground of violent confrontations: 6,500 royalists, landed from the English fleet, seized it in an attack on 27 June 1795. It was recaptured by General Hoche's troops on 20 July. Left more or less abandoned, Fort Penthièvre was modernised and reinforced from 1800 onwards, under the impetus of the engineer General Marescot and on the orders of Bonaparte. In 1917 the fort was used as a prison for German soldiers. They carried out resurfacing work on the road. In 1933, it was entrusted to the navy and then fell into disuse. During the Second World War, it was occupied by the Germans and incorporated into the Atlantic wall. It housed various blockhouses, but was mainly used by the infantry. In July 1944, some resistance fighters were tortured and buried alive there. A pillar mounted on a Cross of Lorraine stands there in memory of them. Nowadays, Fort Penthièvre is a training base for the land army.

This historic monument, property of the Ministry of Defence, was included in a Culture and Defence protocol signed on 17 September 2005. Click here to see the list of other buildings ...