From June 10 to 12, 1940, fighting for freedom took place in the Saint-Valery-en-Caux area. French and British Allied forces had been engaged since early May in the Battle of France, against a conquering German army.
In the Pays de Caux, the French 9th Army Corps, with the 51st Highland Division attached, attempted to organize an evacuation by sea. A few thousand men managed to escape the German maneuver, while tens of thousands more were captured or killed.
June 1940" memory trail no. 1: Rommel's breakthrough
This route illustrates the units involved in the western part of the Allied defensive system around Saint-Valery-en-Caux, as well as General Rommel's strategy for breaking through. It highlights the singular role played by this tragic episode in the history of the war.
Finally, this trail invites you to honor the memory of the soldiers and civilians affected by these events.
On foot: 1 day
By bike: ½ day
By car : 3h
June 1940" Remembrance Trail no. 2: Hold on at all costs
This route presents the units engaged in the eastern part of the Allied defense system, around Saint Valery-en-Caux, and the fierce opposition of the Allies, exemplifying resistance in the face of adversity. It also presents the tragic and glorious destinies of some of these units.
On foot: 1 day
By bike: ½ day
By car: 3h
Inauguration in June 2025.
In the Pays de Caux, the French 9th Army Corps, with the 51st Highland Division attached, attempted to organize an evacuation by sea. A few thousand men managed to escape the German maneuver, while tens of thousands more were captured or killed.
June 1940" memory trail no. 1: Rommel's breakthrough
This route illustrates the units involved in the western part of the Allied defensive system around Saint-Valery-en-Caux, as well as General Rommel's strategy for breaking through. It highlights the singular role played by this tragic episode in the history of the war.
Finally, this trail invites you to honor the memory of the soldiers and civilians affected by these events.
On foot: 1 day
By bike: ½ day
By car : 3h
June 1940" Remembrance Trail no. 2: Hold on at all costs
This route presents the units engaged in the eastern part of the Allied defense system, around Saint Valery-en-Caux, and the fierce opposition of the Allies, exemplifying resistance in the face of adversity. It also presents the tragic and glorious destinies of some of these units.
On foot: 1 day
By bike: ½ day
By car: 3h
Inauguration in June 2025.
