Tag Archives: French resistance

A Local WWII Resistance Group: Update

Posted on 05/08/2018 by

  Today, the causse above the riverside village of Cazals is a tranquil place with superb views of the Gorges de l’Aveyron. It’s covered with juniper and scrub oak and the only sounds are birdsong or the occasional whirr of … Continue reading →

Posted in French life, Places, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Neither Resisters Nor Collaborators: Returning French STO Workers in 1945

Posted on 04/02/2018 by

Certain aspects of World War II remain taboo subjects in France, even among people who were not around at the time. For those of us whose country has not been occupied for hundreds of years, it’s difficult to imagine how … Continue reading →

Posted in History, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Death of a Village: Oradour-sur-Glane

Posted on 02/07/2016 by

I wasn’t sure if I should write about this at all. Visiting Oradour-sur-Glane near Limoges this week, I felt like a voyeur. The 2nd SS Panzer Division Das Reich slaughtered 642 people and torched the village on 10th June 1944, … Continue reading →

Posted in History, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

8th May 1945: End of a War

Posted on 09/05/2016 by

Today marks the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe [written in 2016]. Last year, we went to the annual ceremony in our village but we couldn’t go this year. This is always a moving event, attended by … Continue reading →

Posted in History, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Bordeaux #2: Sustenance for Body and Soul

Posted on 13/11/2014 by

  Our mouths watered as we strolled past the displays of fish, fresh produce and pâtisserie at the Quai des Chartrons market. The air rang with the raucous cries of the fishmongers as they broadcast their wares, while wielding filleting … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Places, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Liberation of Montauban, 19th August 1944

Posted on 31/08/2014 by

  This is a year for commemorations in France. The most obvious is the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I on 4th August. It’s also the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings and the eventual liberation of … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Places, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Every Château Has a Story: #1 Le Château de Cas

Posted on 13/08/2014 by

Châteaux, large and small, have played an integral part in the history of France. Some have been at the centre of national events; others have been less affected by them, but nonetheless have a story to tell. This is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Châteaux, History, Places, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

A Story of the French Resistance during World War II

Posted on 10/11/2011 by

This week, during our walk with our local group we took a route that we had never followed before. At once point we crossed a road and came upon the granite monument above, which marks the spot where a local … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Places, World War I & II | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments