Welcome to L’année 1940 au Camp du Sablou, a site that holds deep historical significance from the era of World War II. This location, nestled in the serene landscape of Fanlac in the Dordogne department of southwestern France, bore witness to the trials and tribulations of wartime Europe.
The Château du Sablou, once a picturesque estate amidst the lush Périgord Noir region, was transformed into an internment camp during 1940. This camp was primarily used to detain ‘undesirable French Communists’, Alsatian autonomists, and Gypsies. A solemn stele now stands along the road between Fanlac and Montignac, commemorating the events that took place here, a reminder of the region’s troubled past.
Fanlac itself is a village with a rich history, its origins possibly tracing back to the Gallo-Roman era. The village and its surrounding areas became a hub of activity during the resistance movement against German occupation. Notably, an isolated farm known as Lespicerie became a secret training ground for the Francs-Tireurs et Partisans, a group instrumental in the French Resistance. This farm, once owned by Gabriel and Jeanne Aubarbier, became a beacon of hope and defiance during the war. Although its owners had left the premises, their legacy lived on through the brave resistance fighters who trained there.
As you explore this area, imagine the whispers of the past echoing through the ancient forest of Barade, where the Resistance planned their daring acts. Each plaque and memorial you encounter is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom. The village church, dating back to the 12th century, stands as a silent witness to the passage of centuries, its stones imbued with the stories of generations.
In the broader context, the events at Camp du Sablou and the activities of the Resistance fighters in Fanlac provide a poignant chapter in the history of World War II in France, illustrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.
