Musée de la Résistance en Vercors
Between Valence and Grenoble, in the wooded hills of Vercors, lies the village of Vassieux-en-Vercors and the Musée Départemental de la Résistance du Vercors.
Musée de la Résistance dans le Vercors : a place of remembrance open to all
Founded by former ‘maquisard’ (Resistance fighter) Joseph La Picirella, the aim of the museum is to pass on the memories of Resistance members to future generations. One of the few Resistance museums in France, it provides a rare link with the tragic events which left their mark on the village of Vassieux-en-Vercors. The Vercors, which was a centre of French Resistance during the Second World War, is still marked by its history today. The museum is a major attraction in the Drôme, as much for the remembrance aspect as its perfect setting in the Vassieux Valley surrounded by mountains. As well as enjoying panoramic views of the Vercors, you can discover the « Chemins de la Liberté (paths to freedom) », like the path leading to the ‘Mémorial de la Résistance’ at Col de la Chau, another tribute to the local heroes who should never be forgotten.
As you enter the totally renovated museum you will see a Sten machine gun, broken in half and bearing the word « Pax », a symbol of peace designed by the founder. Your tour starts in front of the painted wooden panel by Marcel Labeste depicting his idea of the Résistance and military cruelty. Continue on through the 160m² exhibition space covering all aspects of Resistance through several periods (before, during and after the events). Get close to the everyday life of the Resistance workers through digital touch screen displays and hundreds of exhibits. Understand the geography of the place and the importance of Vassieux-en-Vercors during the war. Watch films giving moving, firsthand accounts of events. The museum is a carefully thought out way of explaining to youngsters the importance of the actions carried out by the Resistance.
In the footsteps of ‘ Maquisards’ at Vassieux-en-Vercors
Your visit to the museum will doubtless make you want to explore other sites in the Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors and there are certainly plenty to choose from ! Attractions range from the « Chemins de la Liberté », which lead to other historic places linked to the Résistance, to discovering the superb scenery within the Park. There is no shortage of trails, tracks and paths to explore on foot, by mountain bike, in summer or winter, like the walks around Autrans or the Canyon des Gueulards. A total change of scene !
Sporting enthusiasts in search of thrilling sensations are spoilt for choice in Vercors ! Reach for the sky along numerous rock climbing routes like the Précipice de Corbières or the Via Ferrata de Chironne. Take a trip deep underground for an unforgettable experience at the famous caves of Choranche or La Luire. Discover Vassieux-en-Vercors and its surroundings on a sledge pulled by huskies, an unusual way to explore the countryside.
Useful information
Access and Transport
To get to the Musée de la Résistance : From A7 autoroute, take exit for Valence, follow the A49 past Romans, then follow La Chapelle-en-Vercors and on to Vassieux-en-Vercors. From Grenoble, after Villard-de-Lans take the road to La Chapelle-en-Vercors.
Opening times
July, August : every day 10.00-12.30 / 13.30-18.30
May, June, September : every day 10.00-12.00 / 14.00-18.00
April, October : Tuesday - Sunday 10.00-12.00 / 14.00-18.00
November - March : Wednesday - Sunday 14.00-17.00
The museum is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 January and from the end of (French) Christmas school holidays to beginning of February school holidays.
Prices
Admission : full price 3€ / reduced price 2€
Admission with guided tour : full price 4€ / reduced price 3€
Children under 8 : free
Address and contact details :
Rue Fourna
26420 – Vassieux-en-Vercors
Tel. 04 75 48 28 46
Continue your Drôme discovery tour by visiting hilltop villages (Villages Perchés) and the pretty town of Montelimar
