80 years since the Provence landings

The anniversary of the Provence landings is fast approaching. Often referred to as the “other landings” of World War II, this historical event was no less decisive in the liberation of France and the reconquest of Europe. On the 15th of August 1944, Operation Dragoon was launched in the south of France. Discover the events organised in the region to mark the 80th anniversary of the Provence landings!

A historic reminder: the forgotten landings

In 1942, World War II was in full swing. In November of the same year, Provence fell under German occupation. German troops invaded the free zone, previously administered by the Vichy regime, tightening their grip on French territory to prevent a potential Allied invasion.

On the night of the 14th to the 15th of August 1944, Allied troops landed on the beaches between Toulon and Saint-Raphaël. At 8am, around 95,000 soldiers simultaneously launched an assault on 18 beaches. Outnumbering the enemy and supported by the Resistance, which had been preparing for the day for weeks, the Allies quickly won battles. Only a few strongpoints held out. On the 28th of August, after several days of fighting, the Germans finally surrendered.

Special commemorations throughout Provence

On the weekend of the 15th to the 18th of August, a number of events are being organised to celebrate the anniversary of the landings.

“Provence Landings” exhibition in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer

This free exhibition highlights the role of the African commandos during the landings in Canadel, where 600 men landed as part of the Anvil Dragoon mission.

Night tour of the landing sites in La Londe-les-Maures

Enjoy an exceptional tour of the landing sites at nightfall. Around the Schneider factory, this tour will take you back 80 years to the preparations for the landings on the night of the 14th to the 15th of August.

15th-18th August weekend event: ceremony and events in Cavalaire-sur-Mer

To mark this special commemorative weekend, you can enjoy special events alongside the traditional ceremony such as fireworks, concerts and re-enactments, all accompanied by an air parade.

Commemorative monuments in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer

As one of the landing sites, the town of Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer is home to three memorials commemorating the Provence landings :

• The national necropolis with the graves of the soldiers who died on the night of the 14th to the 15th of August 1944.
• A stele dedicated to the African commandos and a commemorative plaque for General Georges-Régis Bouvet.
• The Notre-Dame de Rosaire chapel where Albert Thorel of the Second African Commando and his men made contact with the inhabitants of the town.

Stay at Les Terrasses du Bailli and discover the history

The Les Terrasses du Bailli hotel is located in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, an important location in the region’s history and landing site during Operation Dragoon, which contributed to the liberation of France.

Looking for a hotel in Provence to explore these historic sites? Overlooking one of the most beautiful coves of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Les Terrasses du Bailli offers an exceptional stay in a refined atmosphere. Just a few metres from Canadel beach and other major landmarks of the Provence landings, our hotel couldn’t be better located.

Enjoy some of the best activities on offer during your stay at Les Terrasses du Bailli after your historical tours of Provence.