The Provence Landing Route -1944-2024
"The Var, Land of Freedom". 80th anniversary of the liberation.
Sanary was liberated on August 23, 1944.
A day of commemoration, remembrance and duty to remember.
- Exhibition of 12 vehicles + float at the Kiosque.
- 10am gathering on the Town Hall forecourt
- 10:15 a.m. Ceremony in front of the plaque (10 minutes)
- 10:30 a.m. Parade
-11:00 Ceremony at the Victory Monument
-11:30 a.m. Aperitif
-8:30-10pm Concert on the church square
- 22h Fireworks show
- 10:15 pm Ball at the Bandstand
A little history :
Extract from Lt. Caniot's diary
August 21, 1944:
After taking Le Beausset yesterday, our squadron was placed at the disposal of the 7th Chasseur d'Afrique to carry out reconnaissance towards Toulon from the west and along the coastal route.
On the outskirts of Bandol, Lieutenant de GASTINES's platoon was blocked by a bridge that had been cut, preventing it from continuing its mission in the direction of Sanary!
Captain BAUDOUIN then orders me to try to reach Sanary from the northwest. I set off immediately with my whole platoon!
Civilians we meet on our way up give us interesting information about the artillery batteries set up at Colombet, Pointe de la Cride, Château de la Tourelle, Gros Cerveau and Fort de Six Fours.
August 23, 1944:
At 9 a.m., a gigantic explosion shook the ground, and a huge column of smoke rose into the sky, "Six Fours has just scuttled".
In the morning, the local German garrison surrendered and the town was liberated!
Around 4.00 pm, the men of Lieutenant Caniot's platoon set off again, heading for Toulon. They set off again towards their destiny, which would take them beyond the Rhine in pursuit of their mission to liberate France and Europe from the Nazi yoke.
On this August 23, 1944, the wounds are healed, the dead are mourned, but the victory of liberation is also celebrated:
"SANARY is free! "
Location : Rassemblement parvis de la Mairie, défilé et rassemblement au Monument de la Victoire
Type(s) of event : Commemoration
Theme(s) : Historic
Environment
- Close to a motorway
- In centre of town
- Town location
- Close to a public transportation
- Village centre
- Pedestrian area
- Bus stop < 500 m
- In the historic centre