Espace François-Mitterrand, Memorial park in Château-Chinon, France
Espace François-Mitterrand is a memorial park set within an oak forest overlooking the Bazois plain and distinguished by sixty-seven oak trees surrounding a central oak of remembrance. The grounds feature walking paths that guide visitors through the space and connect different areas together.
The park commemorates François Mitterrand's role as a resistance fighter who built a network in Burgundy during World War II and met his future wife Danielle Gouze in Château-Chinon in 1944. These personal and political connections shaped Mitterrand's relationship with the town for decades.
The park displays a bronze bust of François Mitterrand at its entrance and houses the Salle des Échanges with a metal sculpture called 'Laser'. These artworks tell the story of Mitterrand's connection to the town and offer visitors a place to reflect on his importance.
The park is freely accessible throughout the year and offers a circuit of about two kilometers for visitors wishing to explore the grounds. The paths are well-laid and allow guests to take in the offerings at their own pace.
A dolmen on the grounds commemorates the Celtic Eduens who formed alliances against the Romans during the Gallic Wars in 52 BC. This monument links the long history of the place with the modern memorial.
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