80 years since the Liberation of La Rochelle - 1945/2025

The La Rochelle pocket was a resistance zone at the end of the Second World War. The pocket includes the town of La Rochelle and surrounding communes, the La Pallice submarine base and the Île de Ré.
It is the only pocket to have retained a large population, to have been spared the fighting, to have emerged from the turmoil without too much damage, to have negotiated a modus vivendi with the occupying forces and, finally, to have been liberated only by French troops. After various meetings between Commandant Meyer (FFI) and German Admiral Schirlitz, a temporary agreement was signed with the agreement of General Adeline, commander of the French forces in the southwest.
In La Rochelle, on May 7, 1945, with the announcement of the German surrender, all the strategic points in the town fell into the hands of the Resistance's interior regiment, Jean Guiton. By 5 p.m., La Rochelle was all decked out.
On May 8, Colonel Granger's French troops entered the city and marched with the Jean Guiton regiment amid a jubilant crowd. Admiral Schirlitz surrendered, officially liberating La Rochelle from the occupying forces.
La Rochelle was the last prefecture in France to be liberated.
The act of surrender was signed on May 9, 1945.
On July 23, General Charles de Gaulle visited La Rochelle and gave a speech in front of the station.

A unique opportunity to relive history through moments of sharing and reflection.

From February to May 11, 2025, the Chapelle des Dames Blanches will host the Mnemophilia exhibition by artist Anaïs Marion, dedicated to the transmission of the memory of war. In the courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville, a completely different exhibition is dedicated to the exceptional lives of women who fought in the Resistance.

From March 28 to May 30, the Archives Olga de Saint-Affrique will be hosting an exhibition entitled "La guerre à l'affiche: le quotidien des Rochelais, 39-45", which explores, through posters and archive documents, the impact of the war on the lives of La Rochelle residents until the Liberation. Guided tours and a "wartime cuisine" culinary workshop will be held on April 30 and May 17.

The city and the Grand Port Maritime are also offering a unique travelling exhibition, featuring archive documents on the Liberation and the traces left by the occupation in the city and port. It will be on display from late April to mid-June on the allées du Mail, then on June 15 during the Port ouvert day at the Grand Port Maritime, before moving to La Pallice for the Journées du Patrimoine in September.

Meetings and conferences

On April 3 and 4, as part of the 4th Rencontres Paul Virilio, the work Bunker Archéologie will be presented, exploring the fortifications of the Second World War, in partnership with Atelier Paul Virilio, the City of La Rochelle and CAUE17.
Ceremonies and tributes

On April 27, to mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Victims and Heroes of the Deportation, a tribute will be paid to the men and women of La Rochelle deported during the Second World War, at the Monument aux Morts.

On May 8, the Allied Victory celebrations will take place exceptionally at 4pm, at the monument aux Morts, in the presence of local authorities and numerous military troops. A "Pot Républicain" will be held in the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, with music and illuminated monuments.

Historical re-enactment and events

From May 8 to 11, a re-enactment of a military camp will be held in the Frank Delmas park, with foot and motorized troops to relive the atmosphere of the period.

On May 27, National Resistance Day, other events will be held (details to follow).

On September 20 and 21, as part of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), a boat trip with the InterÎles company will enable visitors to discover the harbours of La Rochelle and the submarine base, although the latter is not open to visitors for security reasons.