Monument national à la Résistance du plateau des Glières, War memorial on Glières Plateau, France
The National Monument to the Resistance of Glières Plateau is a white concrete structure shaped in a V-form, standing on alpine pastures at about 1440 meters elevation. The striking form spans more than 20 meters in length and rises over 16 meters high, with a narrow width of about 4 meters that contrasts with the overall mass.
The memorial was constructed in 1973 to honor French resistance fighters who opposed German occupation during World War II. Built more than two decades after the war ended, it reflects the enduring importance of these historical events for the region.
The memorial bears the names of resistance fighters and serves as a visible reminder of their struggle in this mountain region. Its presence on the plateau connects visitors to the local history of defiance during the occupation.
The memorial is reachable by following marked hiking paths across the plateau, which are generally accessible to most visitors. Information boards placed along the routes provide context about the historical events and help visitors understand the site.
The structure weighs around 385 tons yet appears to defy gravity through its V-shape and narrow base while remaining firmly anchored to the alpine meadow. This visual contradiction between the massive weight and seemingly weightless form makes the concrete shape a fascinating architectural element in the landscape.
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