80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Autun

Autun is commemorating the 80th anniversary of its Liberation with a programme of events for all ages, including an exhibition, concert, conference, parade of vintage vehicles and a show based on archive documents and personal accounts...

The programme in detail

Friday 06/09, from 10am - Town Hall :
- Opening of the exhibition "The Occupation and Liberation of Autun".
- Sale of the souvenir stamp of the Liberation of Autun, published by the Société autunoise de philatélie.

6.30pm - Hôtel de ville:
- Opening of the exhibition "The Occupation and Liberation of Autun", designed and produced in partnership with Michel Villard, the Collège du Vallon, the Autunois-Morvan Souvenir Français committee and the Autun municipal archives.

8pm - Théâtre municipal:
- Lecture by Michel Villard on "The Liberation of Autun" (free admission).

Saturday 07/09 - In the Autun area:
10am: Ceremony at the Pommoy stele in Roussillon-en-Morvan - Tribute to the Maquis of Morvan.
11.15am: Ceremony to pay tribute to the 27 people shot by the Valmy Maquis in the gardens of the Villa Saint-Lazare (14 rue aux Raz in Autun).
3.30pm: Ceremony at the Surmoulin battle stele in Dracy-Saint-Loup, with the participation of a detachment of the 2nd Dragoon Regiment.
5pm: Ceremony at the memorial of the Amicale du 2e Régiment de Dragons. In the presence of a large detachment from the 2nd Dragons Regiment and with the support of the Légion Étrangère Band.
6.30pm: Benediction at the Liberation Cross. With the participation of the choir of the manécanterie des Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois.
8.30pm: Concert by the Légion Étrangère Band, accompanied by the brass band of the Lycée militaire d'Autun at Hexagone.

Sunday 08/09 - Autun
8am: Raising of the colours on the Place du Champ de Mars and laying of wreaths on the memorial stones of the Battle of Autun.
9am: Ceremony at the Saint-Pantaléon War Memorial.
9.30am: Liberation Mass, celebrated at Saint-Lazare Cathedral by Father Francis Manoukian, Rector of Saint-Lazare Cathedral.
11:15: 80th anniversary parade. Departing from the Lycée militaire gate on the Avenue du 2e Dragons to the Place du Champ de Mars, an exceptional parade featuring over 80 vintage vehicles!
The Colonne de la Libération will bring its week-long journey along the roads of Saône-et-Loire to a fitting end in Autun, following in the footsteps of our liberators.
12pm: Grand Liberation ceremony at the Monument aux Morts - Place du Champ de Mars.
2-5pm: Exhibition of vintage vehicles and meeting with the re-enactors of the Liberation Column. Presentation, musical entertainment and refreshments provided by the La Vaillante association at the Promenade des Marbres.
3pm: Commemorative ceremony at the 1e DFL stele - Carrefour de la Légion. Installation of a plaque for the national circuit "Route de la 1e Division Française Libre".
3pm-8pm: Liberation tea dance organised by Danse passion at l'Hexagone.
4pm: Ceremonies in Monthelon - Tribute to the Corps Franc Pommiès - Chantal Wood.
6pm: Trooping down the Colours on the Place du Champ de Mars in Autun.

Wednesday 11/09 - Théâtre municipal :
3.30pm: Young audience show "Le Petit résistant illustré" (The Illustrated Resistance Fighter)

Saturday 14/09 - Kiosque terrasse de l'Europe
2pm: Bleuet de France race organised by the Autun association of young flag bearers.
9.30pm: Theatrical performance in front of the town hall "La libération d'Autun, une bataille à hauteur d'enfants" (The liberation of Autun, a battle for children) directed by Jacques Arnould.
The show combines historical narration and acting, with the participation of young students from the Lycée militaire d'Autun. It is an imaginary recreation of scenes from the lives of young people in Autun during these momentous events.
10.15pm: Fireworks display (in the car park next to the Lycée Bonaparte).
Popular Liberation Ball led by the Swing Miller System orchestra and the big band Deux pour danser
Come dressed in period costume!

Saturday 14/09 and Sunday 15/09 - Théâtre romain :
From 10am to 6pm: Les Journées Historiques d'Autun.
The fourth edition of this living history festival features more than 200 participants, all enthusiasts of history and re-enactment.