Les Ruines, a tale of intrigue and mystery involving the maquis of Haute Vienne, I recently visited Le Musée de la Résistance in Limoges.
Wow...what an amazing exhibition. Set on several floors, visitors can view graphic displays and photos of Limousin under German occupation during WWII. There are also on display many artefacts from the period that include weapons (sten guns, revolvers, machine guns, grenades, bren guns, ammunition, etc) and even radio receiver/transmitters, for the most part, parachuted in along with agents by SOE, the Special Operations Executive set up by the British. Some displays include materials and equipment produced by the maquis: home-made bombs, roneo copying machines, false identity cards, ration books and other items to thwart the enemy.
A centre-piece amongst other vestiges of the enemy's presence is the fuselage of a German military aircraft.
Space is also accorded to photos of members of the various resistance groups, their roles and the consequences of their involvement. Some photos depict various atrocities committed by the occupying forces in retaliation for the actions of the maquis. The free entrance exhibition is well worth a visit, but at least three hours are required to absorb the many aspects of the tour and its impact.
If unable to visit, check out the website. There are many interesting pics and a video explaining and showing how the museum was constructed using original materials to integrate it into that particular enviroment of the old part of the city.
http://www.ville-limoges.fr/index.php/fr/culture/les-structures-culturelles/le-musee-de-la-resistance
