The Musée des Troupes de Montagne was designed to tell the extraordinary story of this army corps specialising in mountain combat. It is one of 15 museums belonging to the French army. Founded in 1988, it was initially housed in the governor’s palace in Grenoble. Then in 2009, it was resited within the fortifications of the Grenoble Bastille. High above the city, the museum is accessible by road or cable car, nicknamed bulles, or ‘bubbles’.

On your visit, you will have the opportunity to see a whole array of objects relating to these alpine soldiers: uniforms, weapons, sports articles, radio equipment, insignia, books and photographs. A multilingual audio guide will tell you the fabulous history, from past to present, of this army corps which has taken part in many military operations. From the First World War trenches, to aiding the French Resistance, to involvement in the Algerian War and operations in Lebanon and Afghanistan: so many scenes representing the actions of the mountain troops. You are bound to be filled with admiration for the spirit, commitment and exceptional values of this army corps.

The museum is open throughout the year, except January.

Not far away stands a memorial to the members of the mountain corps killed in action since its founding. 

Sources : ©Musée des Troupes de montagne

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Housed in the 11th-century Boissezon fort, this outstanding collection of authentic objects and documents concerned with the history of armed conflict in the 20th century is an educational and remembrance resource. Its eight exhibition rooms display weaponry, equipment, photographs, documents and literature from the First and Second World Wars, as well as more recent conflicts like Korea, Indochina and Algeria. Armed, uniformed mannequins of our brave soldiers add a remarkable layer of realism. These conflicts left scars which should help prevent new wars and serve as a reminder for future generations.

Created by the now deceased Dr Christian Bourdel, the museum is regularly enhanced through donations and new acquisitions. The museum’s considerable reserve collection means it is able to put on regular temporary exhibitions, as well as lending items to other organisations for events.

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Families, friends, school parties and work groups are all welcome to visit this unique museum in the Occitanie region.

Sources : ©Musée Mémorial pour la Paix – Le Militarial - Boissezon

After visiting the battlefield of Verdun, whose scars still visible 100 years on remind us of the horrors of war, a visit to the World Centre for Peace is a must. A symbol of the Great War, Verdun as the “Capital of Peace” offers a better understanding of how a regional crisis can deteriorate into a major conflict, how Franco-German relations have succeeded in overcoming the horror and the hatred born of the conflicts, how day after day the protection of human rights and freedoms is the best defence against a crazy world capable of the worst acts of destruction and madness.

Visitors will appreciate the outstanding charm of Verdun’s Episcopal Palace, a listed building from the 18th century, which for the past 30 years has been home to the Centre Mondial de la Paix, des Libertés et des Droits de l’Homme. In the 18th-century gardens, which can be visited free of charge, you can see a section of the Berlin Wall and discover its history, as well as enjoy one of the finest views of the town of Verdun.

The Centre presents a number of permanent exhibitions, on such varied themes as the First World War, Franco-German relations, contemporary conflicts and human rights.

Schoolchildren will enjoy the activity packs and workshops prepared by the education team and Canopé Meuse, while the scientifically inclined will be fascinated by the centre of excellence in First World War and Franco-German remembrance, which is the result of close cooperation between the different organisations housed in the Centre. 

Visitors will love the shop, with its more than 500 books to suit all ages.

Intended from the outset as a meeting place, the Centre Mondial de la Paix, founded in the presence of the UN Secretary-General, hosts a large number of events in its function rooms (which seat 20 to 300 people and include a film room). Conferences, film club, book fair... Not a week goes by without an event, usually with free admission to the public.

Since mid-April 2016, a group accommodation capacity of 56 beds means that parties visiting Verdun have somewhere to stay.

Sources: ©Centre Mondial de la Paix, des libertés et des droits de l’Homme

Situated at the foot of the Croix de Lorraine in Colombey-les-deux-Eglises, the Charles de Gaulle memorial completes a walk of remembrance consisting of the family residence, La Boisserie and the de Gaulle family tomb, a place for contemplation, steeped in austerity.

La Boisserie. Source : Charles de Gaulle memorial

The village of Colombey-les-deux-Eglises is famous for having been chosen by General de Gaulle as the site of his family home, La Boisserie, on 9th June 1934. The main place of contemplation and writing of the man who made the call of 18th June, La Boisserie immerses the visitor in its family atmosphere, stamped with simplicity. Open to the public, visitors can tour the dining room and lounge, admire the view from the office and immerse themselves in the private life of Charles de Gaulle and his family.

Office of Charles de Gaulle in la Boisserie. Source : photo Philippe Lemoine

Charles de Gaulle memorial, life-size history

However, the one thing was lacking to help visitors understand the man; the Memorial fulfils this role.

Guided tour of the permanent exhibition

The memorial - permanent exhibition. Source : photo Philippe Lemoine

The Educational Department

Kits

Educational kits are provided to teachers. These tools assist students through the exhibition. They also allow them to familiarise themselves with and to summarise the content of the exhibitions. In relation with the official history-geography and civic instruction curricula of the National Education department, they are adjusted to the students' level: primary, secondary, college or sixth form and vocational college.

Educational walks

The walks are led by a Memorial teacher, who can provided a general or more detailed approach of the exhibitions.

Educational workshops

The Memorial also offers:

Practical information

Mémorial Charles de Gaulle
52330 Colombey-les-deux-églises

Educational Centre Team

Céline Anché

Courriel : celine.anche@memorial-charlesdegaulle.fr

There are twenty French soldiers from the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 at rest in an ossuary monument at the cemetery. From WWI, there are 427 French soldiers, 274 Belgian soldiers, nine Russian soldiers and 1 Chinese soldier buried in individual graves. As for WWII, there are 1,355 French soldiers, including 188 in the ossuary, ten Spanish soldiers, one Polish soldier and five Soviet soldiers, one of whom is in the ossuary. Five soldiers who died for France in Indochina are also buried at the cemetery.

Covering an area of 25 hectares, the cemetery holds over 40,000 bodies, half of which are in individual graves, and the other half are divided into seven ossuaries. It is France’s largest national cemetery.

Some foreign soldiers (Belgian, Romanian and Russian) are also buried there. French soldiers killed in WWII were also buried there.

Amongst the graves, you can find the grave of a father and his son who died on the battlefield in 1915 and 1918. Six other graves hold the bodies of a father killed in WWI and a son killed in WWII.

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ALGERIA

Algeria holds a distinct place in the 20^th century history of the French Empire through its long-standing ties, its close proximity to mainland France and the considerable numbers of Europeans who moved there from 1830 onwards to live and work alongside the local population. The country’s role was intensified during the First World War, when it contributed to the French military effort, and above all during the Second World War, when Algiers became, in spring and summer of 1944, the capital of France Libre. Large numbers of French and Muslims from Algeria played a part in liberating the country. The official assimilation policy in place nevertheless seemed to contradict the political inequality that existed between both groups of the population. Similarly, Algerian nationalism gained ground and demanded that political autonomy and equal rights be recognised for Muslims. The uprising of May 1945, which was harshly suppressed, came as a prelude to the war for independence which broke out on All Saints’ Day 1954, principally in the Aures. In a context of global decolonisation, at a time when the neighbouring protectorates of Tunisia and Morocco were to achieve independence, the image of a prosperous and pacified French Algeria seemed false. The gap widened between the millions of Europeans, mostly city-dwellers attached to a land they considered both their own country and an extension of France, and the eight million Algerian Muslims. The majority of Algerian Muslims lived in rural areas and were threatened by impoverishment, poor access to schooling and inadequate public administration. The integration and social and economic modernisation policy introduced for Algeria in 1955 was an affront to both the European population who wished to maintain the status quo and the Algerian nationalists assembled within the FLN (the National Liberation Front). Far from being quelled, the conflict intensified and grew, the FLN demanding each member of the Algerian population to choose a side. Meanwhile, France stepped up its military action by sending a contingent to Algeria in 1955. The French army patrolled the country, carried out administration, conducted psychological operations, provided social aid and hunted out members of the ALN (National Liberation Army). However, no solution was in sight.

The Reform Act of February 1958 recognised the Algerian personality while affirming that Algeria was an integral part of the French Republic.

The weakness of the Fourth Republic, which was unsuccessful in bringing an end to the Algerian uprising, the fear of the Europeans in Algeria of seeing their country lost to the FLN and the army’s desire to not surrender explain the crisis of May 1958 and General de Gaulle's return to power. At the same time as relaunching a military campaign, General de Gaulle offered a “peace of the braves” (paix des braves) and implemented an extensive economic development programme: the Constantine Plan. Its effects were limited. The war continued despite the setbacks suffered by the ALN. The cause for Algerian independence won new supporters daily internationally and in French public opinion. The change of de Gaulle’s Algerian policy, from a position of self-determination (September 1959) to one of an ‘Algerian’ Algeria (November 1960), radicalised the opposition. This was demonstrated most decisively in Algiers during the barricades (January 1960) and the putsch of April 1961. Comforted by the results of the referendum of January 1961 which garnered the support of three-quarters of the citizens of mainland France, General de Gaulle entered into peace talks with the GPRA (the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic), a series of long negotiations which concluded with the signing of the Evian Agreements on 18 March 1962. The proclamation of a ceasefire from 19 March did not bring an end to the violence, of which the harkis, killed in their thousands, were the principal victims. In amidst this chaotic situation, France recognised Algeria’s independence on 3 July 1962, which then led to the return of the Europeans to their home countries and the end of the French presence in Algeria which had lasted for over 130 years on the other side of the Mediterranean.

MOROCCO

In Morocco, a French protectorate since 1912, the 1940 defeat struck a harsh blow to French prestige, even though the recruitment of Moroccan units to the French service did not stop at that time. Nationalism gained support encouraged by the Istiqlal (Independence Party) and Sultan Mohammed V ben Youssef, who became the symbol of the call for independence. In 1952, anti-French demonstrations cropped up more and more. From that moment, a show of force became inevitable: distrustful of the progressive forces, the French government replaced the Sultan on 20 August 1953, a political action that did not stop nationalist terrorism taking place and even caused violent clashes amongst the European working classes.

After an imposed exile in Corsica followed by Madagascar (1953-1955), Mohamed V triumphantly returned to obtain the independence of Morocco from France, achieved on 2 March 1956.

TUNISIA

Made a French protectorate by the Treaty of Bardo (1881), Tunisia was, during the course of the Second World War, a stage for confrontations between the Axis army troops and the Allies (1942-1943), while the Tunisian regiments earned recognition in Italy and in France in 1943-1944. Tunisian nationalism, led by the Neo Destour Party under Habib Bourguiba, gave rise to acts of terrorism and a start of guerrilla warfare from 1952 onwards. For two years, the French army had to fight against an armed movement which committed several attacks in Tunis and other cities around the country.

After the agreements signed in June 1955 but which collapsed even before they were put into action, the protocol of 20 March 1956 abolished the Treaty of Bardo and recognised total independence for the Kingdom of Tunis.

The Republic of Tunisia was declared one year later and Bourguiba was appointed the republic’s first president.

EXCERPT FROM THE ARTIST’S NOTE OF INTENTION (Gérard COLLIN-THIÉBAUT)

Monuments to the dead are links to a past memory and, a century later, their forms have become part of our collective memory: testaments to history, they stand silent in every town, erected in homage to those who sacrificed their life to make sense of death and keep remembrance alive. They often reach up to the sky, whatever their shape, and are engraved with lists of names. When looking at a monument, our eyes are drawn from bottom to top, yet we read the names from top to bottom. For this project, I wanted to respond to this instinct for identification, keeping our eyes drawn from bottom to top, using columns, but also to offer a modern way of reading, by catching the attention of a patchwork public made up of pedestrians, regular passers-by, tourists and so on. Through this project I wanted it to be there for the people concerned, but also to grab any passer-by, caught up in their everyday thoughts, and to arouse an emotion, through a kind of freeze-frame, reminding them of the sacrifice these young people made in the name of patriotism; and to do this, you have to use the resources adapted to your time.?Together all of this will make it a memorial worthy of the third millennium.

L’esprit de Saint-Cyr

Situé au cœur des écoles de Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan, creuset unique de formation des officiers de l’armée de terre, le musée du Souvenir retrace les évènements majeurs qui ont construit la France à travers les destins croisés des officiers qui l’ont servie. Hommes de conviction et de décision, beaucoup d’entre eux ont incarné des valeurs telles que le courage, la bravoure, le panache, l’exemplarité, la loyauté, le sens du service, du devoir et de l’honneur, l’amour de notre Patrie... Certains ont par leur seule présence pesé sur l’issue de batailles décisives, d’autres ont fait des choix condamnés par l’Histoire, d’autres encore ont rétabli l’honneur de la France et nombreux sont ceux qui ont fait le sacrifice de leur vie dans l’accomplissement de leur mission.

Un lieu de mémoire unique

S’ouvrant sur la Cour Rivoli, place d’honneur où se déroulent les cérémonies de Tradition qui rythment la scolarité des élèves officiers, le musée du Souvenir est un lieu d’enracinement et d’identité où ils se retrouvent et se ressourcent. Mais il est également un lieu de mémoire et d’histoire ouvert au grand public, un endroit privilégié d’éducation à la citoyenneté ainsi qu’un espace de partage et d’échange entre les Français et leur armée où se tisse l’indispensable lien armées-Nation.
Le visiteur est invité à parcourir un vaste mémorial, qui rappelle le sacrifice des officiers de toutes origines tombés au champ d’honneur, avant de découvrir les riches collections du musée. Présentées de façon chronologique, elles illustrent la lente maturation qui a conduit à la création d’écoles dédiées à la formation des officiers et met en exergue les grands personnages et les figures de légende qu’elles ont formés.

Un patrimoine inestimable ouvert à tous

En un siècle d’existence, les collections du Musée du Souvenir se sont enrichies de plusieurs milliers d’objets : Tableaux, bronzes, armes, uniformes, emblèmes, trophées et souvenirs émouvants évoquant un destin exceptionnel, héroïque ou tragique se répondent et plongent le visiteur dans une atmosphère unique. Par leur intérêt esthétique, leur pouvoir d’évocation historique ou par la simple « charge émotionnelle » dont ils sont porteurs, ces objets nous touchent, nous interpellent et nous instruisent.
 

Sources : ©Musée du Souvenir des écoles de Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan

The l'île de Ré, opposite La Rochelle, was subjected on several occasions to attack from British soldiers. Conscious of the need to protect access to La Rochelle and Rochefort, in 1681 Vauban started strengthening the island's defences by building a citadel and fortified castle at Saint-Martin-de-Ré, on the North coast.

Built on the site of a fortress where construction work had started in 1627, the square-shaped citadel occupies the eastern part of the town. Its defensive system comprises four bastions, three demi-lunes and a counterguard, surrounded by a moat and a covered walkway. It contained an arsenal, food and powder stores, barracks and officers' accommodation. The citadel opens on to the sea via a small fortified port. From 1873 onwards it became a stop-off point for penal colony prisoners on the way to New Caledonia until 1897 and later to Guyana until 1938. Today it remains a prison for more than 400 detainees and is not open to the public.
An example of Vauban's first system adapted to suit a flat site, the construction was accompanied by an enormous fortified enclosure capable of accommodating the island's population of some 16,000 inhabitants, as well as their livestock, and of storing food supplies and forage in the event of enemy attack. In an arc on the land side, there are bastions, orilloned half- bastions and a counterguard. Two monumental gates, the Porte Toiras and the Porte des Campani form the access points. Also surrounded by a moat and a covered walkway, it is in addition encircled by an open-plan glacis, sloping outwards from the ramparts within canon-firing range.
Saint-Martin de Ré Tourist Information Office 2, quai Nicolas Baudin Ilot du Port - BP 41 17410 Saint-Martin-Ré Tel.: + 33 (0) 5 46 09 20 06 Open from 01-07 to 31-08, from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday and from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 01.06 to 30.09: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm and from 10 am to 1 pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays In May: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm and from 10 am to 12 pm on Sundays and/or Bank Holidays In April and during school holidays: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm and on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 10 am to 12 pm from 01-10 to 31-03: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm