Centre d’Interprétation de la Ligne de Démarcation

The Centre d’Interprétation de la Ligne de Démarcation (Interpretive Centre on the Demarcation Line) in Génelard describes itself as “the first institution in France” dedicated to specifically presenting the history of the French Demarcation Line which from June 22, 1940 to November 11, 1942 divided metropolitan France into the Occupied and Free Zones. Implemented by the Armistice of 22 June 1940 following the Battle of France, the Demarcation Line split the country into two areas of control: the north and west, along the Atlantic coast, was occupied by German military forces, while the south and east remained an unoccupied free zone under the authority of Vichy. The Demarcation Line existed in a practical sense until November 11, 1942 when, in response to Allied landings in North Africa, German forces crossed into the free zone and occupied the remainder of French territory; it was formally terminated on March 1, 1943.

The Centre d’Interprétation de la Ligne de Démarcation is located along the path of the Demarcation Line in the town of Génelard, one of numerous former German military control points for passage between the two zones. The building lies on the bank of the Canal du Centre which provided the initial Demarcation Line in the region, and sits across from a canal bridge upon which the German military control point stood. The aim of the museum is to present the history and effects of the Demarcation Line both within Génelard and the surrounding Saône-et-Loire départment, as well as the other twelve départments bisected by the line which ran approximately 1200km, from the Swiss to the Spanish border.

The museum’s presents this history at both the local and national level. The community of Génelard was initially divided in two by the canal which passes through its centre, leaving individuals and families separated; later, a small change to the line saw the entire town placed within the occupied zone. Among the collections are photographs and written records from contemporary inhabitants, describing the day the line was implemented and the personal effects of this division. Beyond Génelard, the museum records the creation and history of the Demarcation Line across France and presents the numerous effects of demarcation: German military patrols and surveillance of the line, economic and trade impacts, smuggling across the line, clandestine and Resistance networks operating across the line, German repression and retribution, and the end of the Demarcation Line following German occupation of the free zone. This history is presented through a permanent exhibition containing 22 panels, including maps, written documents, drawings, photographs, and other evidence of the Demarcation Line and its contemporary and lasting impacts.   

With the aim of creating a permanent exhibition on the Demarcation Line, the museum building was constructed in 2006; the exterior architecture, which resembles a uniform wall with metal girders, is designed to evoke the physical and social separation and division of the Demarcation Line.