1870: Paris is invaded by the Prussians. On 4 September, a national defence government was formed. Léon Gambetta was Minister of the Interior and War: it was decided to mobilise the troops.
In Conlie, from October 1870 to mid-January 1871, the land on which the Roger Bellon World War II Museum is now located was used as a camp by more than 50,000 mobilised soldiers to prepare them for battle.
The very difficult day-to-day living conditions that these men had to endure, combined with the military under-equipment in which they were kept, continue to raise questions.
A monument dedicated to these conscripts, erected on the site of the camp, and a "Breton Cross" in Conlie cemetery, are a reminder of the memory of these men.
And since 2012, the Roger Bellon Museum of the 2nd World War has been organising guided "History Walks" (4.5km) to help visitors discover how the camp was set up and what its history was.
Visit
- Duration of individual visit: 1h45 min
Languages visit
- French
Prices
Means of payment
- Credit card
- Cheques and postal orders
- Holiday vouchers