In late January/early February 1939 nearly half a million Spanish civilians and soldiers fled to France. The word Retirada (Spanish for Retreat) was adopted by historians to signify this exodus, which was the biggest single influx of refugees ever known in France.

The oak tree of the Trabucayres, which used to stand on the crossroads of the turn-off to Maureillas on the N9 coming out of Le Boulou to Le Perthus (very near the Auberge du Chene) was hollow and could hide up to nine villains.