Discover the program for August 15 and the following days in the region

Thursday, August 15 is a major day of commemorations of the landing in Provence. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the region, franceinfo takes stock of the planned events, disrupted by the weather.

The year 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the landing in Provence and the liberation of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region by the Allied forces. This landing, less known to the French, was originally supposed to take place at the same time as that of Normandy, on June 6, 1944. Operation “Dragoon” finally took place on August 15 on the French coast.

Around 350,000 men, including 260,000 combatants, arrived on 18 beaches between Cavalaire and Saint-Raphaël, in the Var. Made up mainly of soldiers from North and sub-Saharan Africa, but also from the entire French colonial empire of the time, the army was led by General de Lattre de Tassigny. Thursday, August 15, is synonymous with many commemorations in the region. Here’s what you need to know to attend the ceremonies and events of the day.

A tribute maintained in Saint-Raphaël in the morning

As in 2019, during the 75th anniversary of the landing in Provence, Emmanuel Macron arrived early Thursday morning at the Boulouris necropolis in Saint-Raphaël, where 464 French army fighters rest.

The President of the Republic is to deliver a speech in the presence of other heads of state and government, particularly African ones. Paul Biya, the Cameroonian president, is to speak on behalf of all African delegations and foreign leaders. Other African figures present included the President of Togo, Faure Gnassingbé, the Head of State of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, that of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani, the President of Gabon, Brice Oligui Nguema, and the Head of Government of Morocco, Aziz Akhannouch. Countries like Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Senegal have sent a minister, others like Chad and Benin their ambassador. Veterans will be present and six of them will receive the Legion of Honor from the President of the Republic, in recognition of their participation in the Second World War.

But the placing of the Var on orange alert for storm risks disrupts the protocol. The reception of the heads of state and government by the President of the Republic aboard the amphibious helicopter carrier Dixmude has been cancelled. Contacted by France 3, the maritime prefecture confirms the cancellation of “the whole amphibious part” initially planned for these commemorations and the return to the quay of the helicopter carrier Dixmude.

Toulon Landing Reenactment Cancelled

In the early afternoon, the festivities will continue in Toulon. But once again, in a reduced configuration, due to the stormy activity. The reconstruction of the Landing on the Lido beach imagined by several associations has also been cancelled. “In view of the unfavourable weather conditions and the significant risk of storms in the Toulon region, the planned landing on the Lido beach at Mourillon in Toulon has been cancelled.“, announced the Var prefecture. Giant screens and a fan zone were to allow spectators to attend these demonstrations at sea with boats, soldiers and parachute drops.

Air show, Patrouille de France in the evening…

The day will end with several performances. First, an air show lasting more than an hour on the beaches of Mourillon, while a sea rescue demonstration with a helicopter and a lifeguard from the National Sea Rescue Society will be organized.

To close this day and celebrate the 80th anniversary of the landing in Provence, a fireworks display will set off Fort Saint-Louis around 10 p.m.

For the moment, the passages of the Patrouille de France, planned for 10:32 a.m. in Boulouris and at 7:15 p.m. in Toulon, are maintained, assures the maritime prefecture.

Other commemorations to follow

The ceremonies will continue throughout the month of August. On Saturday, August 17, Emmanuel Macron will go, as he does every year, to Bormes-les-Mimosas, to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought inland.

Several exhibitions will be on display on the coast, such as in Toulon and Draguignan. The town of Saint-Maxime is hosting an exhibition of photographs taken on board Allied ships until August 30.

Many festive events will also take place in the Alpes-Maritimes. Events are planned throughout the second half of August, such as on August 24 in Cannes and August 28 in Nice.

Since the Côte d’Azur cities were liberated later, other ceremonies are expected in early September, such as in Menton, on the Italian border. Until October 6, the Mercantour National Park is celebrating this 80th anniversary with the exhibition “The Liberation of Authion and Roya, April 1945”.