Ain Museum of Resistance and Deportation

Daily life during the war

Through the experiences of the people of the Ain region, you can discover a key period in history. From repression and persecution of civilians, Resistance fighters and Jews, to strategic issues and life stories, the museum approaches the history of the Second World War with the hindsight of scientific research, while remaining at a human level.

As you tour the museum, you’ll learn about daily life under the Occupation from 1939 to 1945. It’s an invitation to reflect on the commitment of these combatants, these maquisards, men and women, who fought to preserve the spirit of the Republic and re-establish Freedom.

©friendly Saturday morning market in Chatillon sur Chalaronne

The didactic presentation managed to enthrall the youngsters in the team! Being able to handle the canisters and machine guns, and to enter the cockpit of a parachute plane, captured everyone’s attention. You can imagine what life was like for the Resistance and the local population during this tragic period.

Keeping memory alive

The atmosphere of the former Nantua prison and the scenography vividly evoke the history and events that marked the Ain and Haut-Jura regions. Gathered by the very people who lived through this period, objects and testimonies convey an emotion and a memory that is still alive.

You’ll be able to touch and hear them, before experiencing a weapons drop from the inside, and sharing the life of a pilot in the cabin of a reconstructed Hudson. More than a page from a history book, you’ll remember the faces of the men and women who lived through this period.

The tour’s scientific and historical rigor, and its analysis and questioning of the construction of memory, put the facts into perspective and provide food for thought. Accessible to all, the museum visit opens the door to real family exchanges, and will answer many questions from young audiences.

15 000objects

One of France’s richest museums

More than 2hours

of testimonials

2hours

Visiting time

8euros

Full price (<18 years: free)

GOOD TO KNOW

The coup of November 11, 1943

Morning of November 11, 1943.

In the cold, cottony dawn, the column of maquisards finally set off. We pile into the tarpaulin-covered trucks, heading for Oyonnax in the Bugey region, which we’ll reach from the Lac Genin road… The men have practiced their marching.

It’s nearly noon when the procession of 150 companions, dressed in leather jackets, green breeches, belts and berets, sets off in front of a stunned crowd. The wreath in the shape of the Cross of Lorraine, laid at the Monument aux Morts, bears the inscription: “Tomorrow’s victors to those of 14-18”.

Similar events were held in Bourg-en-Bresse, Nantua, Ambérieu-en-Bugey, Bellegarde, Belley, Meximieux, Hauteville, Virieu-le-Grand, Cormoranche, Montréal, Seyssel, Grièges and Saint-Rambert-en-Bugey. In Nantua, 300 people march and sing the Marseillaise.

Oyonnax’s daring move was to have an extraordinary impact, hailed by Churchill and de Gaulle!

Museum of Resistance and Deportation

Elevation : 485m

Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l'Ain, 3 montée de l'Abbaye, 01130 Nantua