French Prisoners of War: History of a Captive Community (1940–1945)

More than just an episode of the Second World War, captivity was an unprecedented social phenomenon that became part of the trauma of France's defeat. Nearly every family was affected, either directly or indirectly. The absence of so many able-bodied men weighed heavily on society, leaving women and children to cope with the hardships of everyday life.

Initially confined in the Frontstalags (prisoner-of-war camps in occupied France), the prisoners were later dispersed among the Stalags and Oflags across Germany, forming part of the vast internment system established by the Third Reich throughout the territories under its control, including Poland, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. Their lives were shaped by the demands of the German war economy, which alternately welcomed and distrusted this forced labor force. The fate of the prisoners became a major concern for the Vichy government, which pursued every possible compromise in an effort to improve their situation. Deprived of their freedom for five years, exiled in a foreign land, and separated from their families, the prisoners had to draw on their inner strength to endure this ordeal with dignity.

Discover the Exhibition as a Family!

Step into history alongside Jean, our prisoner-guide and the exhibition's mascot. Children aged 7 and up are invited to explore the exhibition in a fun and interactive way. By scanning QR codes throughout the exhibition, they can download smartphone content created especially for them.

Inside the exhibition, a dedicated children's area offers:

• A reconstructed prisoner barracks room (chambrée)

• Hands-on exploration of replica historical documents and objects

• Board games

• Self-guided workshops and activities

Together, these features provide an immersive and educational experience for the whole family.