Nécropole nationale de Rétaud

The National Necropolis of Rétaud is a military cemetery in Rétaud containing around 330 graves arranged in precise rows with white stone markers. The site features a granite memorial at its center that symbolically represents a breach in the Atlantic Wall.

The cemetery was established in April 1945 following a special commission's decision to honor soldiers who fell during operations against German positions in Royan and Pointe de Grave. The burials preserve the memory of military campaigns in the final stages of World War II.

Among the 330 graves, 129 feature Muslim steles, primarily for soldiers from the 4th Zouave Regiment and Somali Battalion who served France. These burials reflect the diverse forces that fought in the liberation operations.

The grounds are open to the public with clear pathways between graves for easy exploration. Detailed records of those buried are available through an online database if you wish to learn more about individual soldiers.

At the cemetery's center stands a granite memorial featuring a symbolic breach representing the breaking of the Atlantic Wall's defenses. A solemn reminder is an urn containing ashes from Buchenwald concentration camp, resting there to honor those lost in the camps.

Location: Rétaud

GPS coordinates: 45.66806,-0.75399

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:41