

In sunny L'Escarène, the soldiers who fell in the fierce fighting on the Authion massif are laid to rest in peace. An imposing mausoleum is dedicated to these heroes of the 1st DFL, victors of the last battle of the Alps in 1945.
Inaugurated in 1960 by General De Gaulle, this monument commemorates the sacrifices made by soldiers of the 1st DFL during Operation Canard. The aim was to seize the Authion massif! The French offensive, commanded by General Garbay, attacked this strategic ridge on the Italian border, still in the grip of enemy forces. From passes to summits, at altitudes of over 2,000 m, conditions were extremely difficult.
On April 15, after 5 days of fighting, the massif was liberated, but the losses were heavy. No fewer than 262 soldiers lost their lives. They were buried at the site of today's mausoleum at l'Escarène. A long list of names mentions the soldiers whose bodies were recovered by their families. The others remained in this open-air crypt.
A moving place that fulfills its duty to remember.
On April 15, after 5 days of fighting, the massif was liberated, but the losses were heavy. No fewer than 262 soldiers lost their lives. They were buried at the site of today's mausoleum at l'Escarène. A long list of names mentions the soldiers whose bodies were recovered by their families. The others remained in this open-air crypt.
A moving place that fulfills its duty to remember.
Rates
Rates
Free access.
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Openings
Openings
All year
All year
Monday
08:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:30 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:30 - 17:00
Thursday
08:30 - 17:00
Friday
08:30 - 17:00
Saturday
08:30 - 17:00
Sunday
08:30 - 17:00