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Commemoration of the Allied Landing

Celebration of the landing of Allied troops in Provence during World War II

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As part of "Operation Dragoon" to liberate southern France, Allied forces arrived at the coast of Provence on 15 August, 1944. This day is celebrated all around the region with parades, live music and popular dances and aperitifs.

Every town has its own festivities which usually end with a fireworks display.

History

On 15 August, 1944, the landing troops sailed from Corsica and surprised the German and Vichy French defenders of the French Riviera when they landed at the Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Saint Tropez and Saint Raphael beaches. Within the first two days 13,000 troops and 18,000 allied vehicles were transported ashore, and the port cities of Toulon and Marseille were under Allied control by the end of the month.

The goal was to secure the vital southern French ports and increase pressure on the German forces by opening another front. Hindered by the Allies' air supremacy and a large-scale uprising by the French Resistance, the weakened German forces were swiftly defeated. 

Operation Dragoon was considered a success, as the Allies were able to liberate most of southern France in just four weeks whilst inflicting heavy casualties on the German forces, although a substantial part of the German army did escape.

Location

Map of the surrounding area

News

  • What's On in Saint Tropez July 2019

    July in Saint-Tropez: What's on and weather

  • What's on in Saint Tropez August 2019

    August in Saint-Tropez: What's on and weather

  • What's on in Saint Tropez September 2018

    September in Saint-Tropez: What's on and weather

  • tower and sea around st tropez

    June in Saint-Tropez: What's on and weather

  • Top 5 brunch & breakfast spots in Saint Tropez 2018

    Brunch and breakfast spots in Saint-Tropez

  • Which  restaurants have a Michelin star in 2020?

    Which restaurants have a Michelin star

Events

  • What's On in Saint Tropez September 2018

    Brocante Le Jas des Robert (flea market)

  • An image of a firework display

    Bastille Day

  • Night market in Bormes les Mimosas

    La Favière night market, Bormes-les-Mimosas

  • Arts & Crafts Market, Ramatuelle

    Arts and Crafts market, Ramatuelle

  • La Croix-Valmer Night Market

    La Croix-Valmer night market

  • Les Grimaldines World Music Festival, Grimaud

    Les Grimaldines World Music Festival, Grimaud