Friday 25 September 2020

Wartime Reminders in the Loire Valley


There are reminders of the Second World War all over the Loire Valley. The many forests made ideal hideouts for Resistance groups, and those in isolated farmhouses and small villages were often willing to help. There are graves and memorials all over the place, each one with a particular and moving story to tell. One such is in the middle of nowhere, and just looks like an empty field surrounded by forest. And it is, and that's why it was chosen as a parachute drop site. Nearby is the village where the local headmaster was a brave and resourceful Resistance fighter, who ultimately paid with his life. In the other direction, hidden deep in the forest, is the remains of a camp, where Resistance fighters lived in secret for months at a time. This simple memorial, and the sites it is linked to are remarkably evocative. If you are interested in visiting some of these forgotten places, let us know and we can design a tour for you, either chauffeured in one of our Citroens that date from this period or a 'follow the leader' style convoy where you drive your own car and follow us.

Memorial to a WWII parachute drop site, Indre.  France. Photographed by Susan Walter. Tour the Loire Valley with a classic car and a private guide.