Maquis de Durestal Memorial trail of the Maquis in Cendrieux in the heart of Périgord

This walking trail through the woods, with the help of information panels and some reconstructions, gives an idea of what life was like in a Périgord resistance group in the years 1943-44.

In this maquis, André Malraux (among others) stayed for two days at the end of May 1944. He was impressed by the number of resistance fighters present, to the point of describing it as "a kind of town in the woods". It was also here that the "Ancel" group was formed, the future "Strasbourg" battalion of the Alsace-Lorraine brigade, which André Malraux had the honor of commanding.

This "Path of Remembrance" was inaugurated in 2013, after three years of meticulous reconstruction work carried out by the Dordogne Departmental Center for Remembrance and its president, Jean-Paul Bedoin, assisted by the association "La Mémoire de nos Pères" (The Memory of Our Fathers), the General Council, the municipality of Cendrieux, and the former Pays Vernois inter-municipal authority. It owes much to the work of Rémy Bousquet and Fernand Sabouret, who knew the site of the Liberation and dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the project.

Over time, the "Path of Remembrance" has undergone new developments aimed at enhancing the site and improving visitor reception, with the installation of recent equipment and signage elements facilitating the discovery and understanding of the route.

The site is accessible all year round. However, due to the presence of trees that may be fragile, visitors are asked to remain vigilant and to respect any safety instructions in place.

It includes a memorial trail, marked with information panels, and, at its very origin, a reconstructed maquis heart based on historical accounts: huts made of corrugated iron served as a dormitory, kitchen, ammunition store, and even a prison. The authentic graves dug for traitors shot on the spot lend a striking sense of reality to the site.

Greater Périgueux Tourist Office:
204 rue Laure Gatet - Niversac
24430 Boulazac Isle Manoire
Tel: 05 53 53 10 63

Opening Hours & Prices:

• Guided tours every Thursday at 3 pm from July 9th to August 20th, 2026 (except July 16th and August 6th). Prices: Full price €7

Prices: Full price €7
Reduced price: €5
Child price: €4
Free for children under 5

• Theatrical tour: Thursday, July 16th and Thursday, August 6th at 3pm

Experience a unique visit by participating in a theatrical tour of the Durestal maquis in Cendrieux. For this special occasion, the Durestal maquis is transformed into an open-air theatre by actors from the Compagnie du Sur Saut. Immerse yourself in the daily lives of two young resistance fighters as you follow Fifi and André. Information: +33 5 53 53 10 63. Reservations: www.tourisme-grandperigueux.fr

Prices: Full price €14

Reduced price: €10

Child price: €6

Free for children under 5

• Adult audio guides (French-English) and children 's audio guides (under 12) are available for rent (€2). Pick them up at the Sainte-Alvère Tourist Information Office. Tel: +33 5 53 61 76 89

• Group visits : all year round for adults and school groups. Information at 05 53 53 41 05.