WWII Liberation of Aix-en-Provence a Photo Exhibition Until October

A unique photo exhibition will be shown in Aix-en-Provence to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation on August 21, 1944. Called Ombres et Lumières (Shadows and Light), it traces the history of Aix between 1930 and 1950, with particular emphasis on the war years.

The show, organized by the CEPPIA Foundation and the Henry Ely Fund, will take place in the Hôtel Boadès, a historic building in the town center near the tourist office.

From Darkness to Light

Beginning in 1940, Aix was part of France’s free zone under the Vichy government but was still subject to fascist propaganda.

© Photographies Henry Ely

When the Nazi troops took over in 1942, photography in Aix was prohibited, so some of the photos in the exhibition were taken at significant risk. Included are some images showing members of the French Resistance who the Nazis had shot. These photos were later used in the Nuremberg trials.

These dark days in Aix ended when Allied troops liberated the town, and the exhibition includes many photos of soldiers, Sherman tanks, and joyful citizens.

© Photographies Henry Ely

©Photographies Henry Ely

The postwar period was not without its shadows, however. What is known as the Épuration (cleansing) took place, where those accused of collaboration received rough justice at the hands of their fellow citizens.

© Photographies Henry Ely

But along with these harsh images, we also see the beginning of brighter days ahead, with the city’s reconstruction and the launching of significant new projects like the Bimont Dam near Mont Sainte Victoire.

©Photographies Henry Ely

Practical Information

Exhibition Site: Hôtel Boadès, 8 Place Jean d’Arc, Aix-en-Provence
Exhibition Dates: August 21 to October 27, 2024
Exhibition Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am-12 pm and 2 pm-7 pm
Tickets cost 5 euros and can be purchased online here.

Photo Credits

All photos courtesy of Photographies Henry Ely

Keith Van Sickle

Keith and Val Van Sickle made their first trip to Provence decades ago, and it was love at first sight. After that, they came back every year until 2008, when they began a part-time life there, splitting their time between Provence and California.

Over the years, they’ve travelled all over Provence, seeing sights both well-known and obscure. Their French friends have introduced them to favourite restaurants and wineries and picnic spots and taught them funny local expressions (not all for polite company).

Keith now shares this local knowledge in his new book, An Insider’s Guide to Provence. Packed with the Van Sickles’ favourite things to see and do, it’s a must-have for anyone travelling to this glorious corner of France.

Keith previously published two books about the couple's experiences in Provence. One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, and Are We French Yet?, both are available from Amazon.

You can see all of Keith’s blog posts at Life in Provence.