On 15 August 1944, the beaches of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez became the scene of a major event of the Second World War: the Provence Landings, known as Operation Dragoon. This large-scale Allied operation marked the start of the liberation of the south of France and contributed to the recapture of the territory.
Today, several sites in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez offer visitors the chance to relive this history and pay tribute to the soldiers who took part in this operation.
Places of remembrance to discover
On the night of 14–15 August 1944, the first Allied commandos landed on Canadel Beach to neutralise the German defences at Cap Nègre and prepare for the Provence Landings. At dawn, the main Allied forces landed on the beaches of Cavalaire-sur-Mer, La Croix Valmer, Ramatuelle and Sainte-Maxime, before advancing rapidly inland. Today, these beaches are popular holiday destinations, but they remain a testament to a decisive stage in the Liberation of Provence.
The Monument to the African Commandos in Rayol-Canadel sur Mer
In Rayol-Canadel sur Mer, a monument pays tribute to the African Commandos, the first French soldiers to land during the night of 14–15 August 1944. Their mission was to capture the German positions at Cap Nègre in order to secure the area ahead of the main landing. This memorial commemorates the courage of these men and the strategic role played by the town during Operation Dragoon.
Commemorative steles and monuments
All along the coastline and in several towns around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, steles, plaques and monuments commemorate the fighting of the summer of 1944. They pay tribute to the Allied units, the Resistance fighters and the civilians who contributed to the Liberation. These sites encourage a deeper understanding of the region’s history and help to uphold the duty to remember.
Cogolin: In the Footsteps of General de Lattre de Tassigny
Following the Provence landings, Cogolin played a strategic role in the organisation of Allied operations. General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, commander of the First French Army, set up his command post there for 48 hours to coordinate the advance of French troops inland. Today, the Boulevard du Général de Lattre de Tassigny commemorates the visit of this key figure in the Liberation. As they stroll through Cogolin’s historic centre, visitors discover a place closely linked to the history of the Provence Landings.
The 15 August ceremonies
Every year, around 15 August, the towns around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez celebrate the anniversary of the Provence Landings with official ceremonies, wreath-laying, military parades, exhibitions and historical re-enactments. These commemorations help to pass on to future generations the memory of those who took part in the Liberation of Provence.