About an hour’s drive from Château le Verdoyer, in Haute-Vienne, the martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane stands as one of the most moving sites of remembrance in France.
It is hard to imagine, while traveling through the delicate green landscapes of the Limousin, that this region experienced one of the most dramatic episodes of the Second World War in France.
During your stay at Château le Verdoyer, discover one of the most significant sites of memory in French history.
June 10, 1944: The tragedy of Oradour-sur-Glane
In June 1944, just a few days after the D-Day landings, as French resistance activities were intensifying, a Waffen SS division decided to make an example of a village in the Limousin, and entirely exterminated Oradour-sur-Glane.
In just a few hours, 642 people were shot or burned alive in the church, and 328 homes were reduced to ashes.
In order to ensure this terrible tragedy is never forgotten and to honor the victims of the massacre, the ghost village has been left in ruins, exactly as it was on that day in 1944.
The village preserved in its original state: why and how to visit
To access the ruins of this martyr village, you must first pass through the Oradour Centre de la Mémoire. A permanent exhibition explores various aspects of the war and the village’s history, including the rise of Nazism, Oradour before the war, the account of the massacre, an overview of the ruins, and a message of peace.
Do not miss the opportunity to discover this site, deeply charged with history and emotion, which serves as a reminder of the darkest hours of our past.
Practical information
📍 Address: Oradour-sur-Glane, Haute-Vienne (87)
🚗 Distance from Château le Verdoyer: approximately 60 km (1-hour drive)
🕘 Opening hours: vary by season — check the official website
🎟 Tickets: fee required for the Centre de la Mémoire, includes access to the ruins
⏱ Recommended visit duration: 2 to 3 hours minimum
To plan your visit, please consult the official Oradour-sur-Glane website.
Oradour-sur-Glane is one of the excursions we recommend to our guests who wish to explore the history and heritage of our region. Find more discovery ideas around Château le Verdoyer in our Activities & Discoveries section.
