The maquis was one of various forms of Resistance in France’s fight against the German Occupation and the Vichy regime during the Second World War.
During World War II the majority of RAF Evaders made their escape or passed through France on their way from Germany and Occupied countries, heading for the coasts in an attempt to return to England.
How was the unknown soldier chosen?
Millas, on the N116 between Perpignan and Ille sur Tet, has a rather lovely church, full of great Baroque art, plenty of shops and cafés – but today we are heading up to the Col de la Bataille, ancient battle ground and poignant memorial to members of the resistance group Henri Barbusse,
Perpignan was elected ‘Capital de la Sardana 2019’ and takes this honour very seriously.
The poppy is a powerful and iconic symbol of remembrance in England, but did you know that the French have an equivalent, ‘Le Bleuet de France’, their own poignant reminder of the First World War?
Many a Bac (equivalent of A-Levels) student has quivered at the sight of Victor Hugo’s name on the test paper… how will you fare with this 19th century poem?
Toussaint, Castanyadas, Armistice 1918 and how The Unknown Soldier was chosen, and poor old ladies of over twenty-five….
This year we take the time once again to thank all those ordinary men and women who went on to do extraordinary things 100 years ago – and then again just 20 years later.
The word ‘terrorist’ actually sprung up around 1795 during the French Revolution.