Camp des Milles, Aix-en-Provence

The Camp des Milles is a haunting reminder of a dark chapter in history, nestled in the city of Aix-en-Provence, France. Once an internment and deportation camp during World War II, it is now a site of memory and education, dedicated to understanding the complexities of history and the importance of human rights.

Originally a tile factory, the Camp des Milles was requisitioned by the French government in 1939 and transformed into a concentration camp. It became a place of suffering for over 10,000 prisoners, including Jews, artists, intellectuals, and political dissidents, many of whom were later transported to extermination camps.

Today, the Camp des Milles serves as a powerful museum and memorial. Its exhibitions provide visitors with a sobering look at the mechanisms of exclusion, internment, and the consequences of indifference. The site not only recounts the narratives of those who were detained and deported but also encourages reflection on contemporary issues and the risks of history repeating itself.

Open to the public, the Camp des Milles offers guided tours, educational workshops, and cultural events aimed at promoting tolerance and vigilance against all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, and fanaticism. The museum's mission is to educate future generations, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.