Immerse yourself in the spirit of Resistance in the Museum of Bondues. This old fort, built at the end of the 19th century to protect our region, was occupied during the two world wars by the German troops.
During the first years of the Second World War, the fort was one of the German bases in the Battle of Britain. Later in 1943 and 1944, it would witness the execution of 68 fighters of the French Resistance. As a homage to the courage of these Resistants, the fort became a Memorial in 1986 and a Museum in 1997. Here you will discover the ideals and sacrifices of these women and men who lived in a zone of constant danger, and whose values still live on today.
You will for instance see how the Resistance in Northern France worked closely with the British Intelligence Service, and how networks were created to help pilots and parachutists escape our region.
A guided visit is available for groups on the theme « The British and Resistance in Northern France » (Available on leaflets for individual visitors).
Audio devices available in English for your visit.
OUR ROOMS :
Room of the memory
The first room of the Museum preserves the memory of the 68 victims of execution of the Fort.
The different generations, jobs and social milieus show the diversity existing among Resistants
Room of the refusal
Our region already experienced 4 years of occupation during the First World War.
In 1940, it is placed under the authority of the Brussels Kommandantur, and fears to be annexed to Germany.
Mostly an industrial region, northern France suffers from rationing and soon opposes to the Germans and to the Government of Vichy.
Room of the courage
Leaflet distribution, intelligence, escape networks :
Resistance is known in multiple forms in our region.
The clandestine press reminds of the importance of resistant newspapers in occupied France.
A maquette illustrates a famous railway sabotage in the neighbouring city of Tourcoing.
Room of the commitment
Several resistant stories and explanations about the Great miners’ strike of May-June 1941 make the visitor understand the various motivations and reasons why men and women entered resistance.
Networks and movements of Northern France are an illustration of how complex the organization of Resistance was.
Room of the sacrifice
Repression by the German and French police increases progressively.
Reconstituted scenes of prison and concentration camp evoke how resistants were arrested, tortured and kept in detention.
Opening hours :
From September to June :
- For individual visitors : Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 2PM to 4.30 PM (no guided visit),
1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 2.30 PM to 6PM (guided visit in french on 3.30 PM) - For groups : Open on booking everyday from 9AM to 12AM and from 2PM to 5PM
- Closed on Tuesdays
July and August :
- For individual visitors : Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from 2PM to 6 PM (no guided visit), Closed on Sundays.
- For groups : Open on booking from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 12 AM and from 2PM to 6PM
- Closed on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
Admission fees :
Individual visitors : 6 € (Free for children under 12 visiting with their parents)
Groups (10 visitors and more) : 4.50 € pp
School class (up to 30 students) : 25 € per class
Guidances can be organized on inquiry also beyond the usual opening hours.
The Museum can receive up to 90 visitors simultaneously.
Access :
The Museum is located on the National Road RN17 Lille-Menin (avenue Charles de Gaulle), near the RN352, the A22 and the airfield. The Museum has 130 parking spaces (4 of them for coaches)
By bus :
- Liane 91 Lille-Halluin (bus stops Fort de Bondues or La Quenouille),
- Line 86 Lille-Comines (bus stops Fort de Bondues or La Quenouille),
- Line 89 Wambrechies-Leers (bus stops Centre or Eglise, then 10 minutes walking)
The museum has disabled access to most areas.
Contact us :
Mail address :
Musée de la Résistance
16 Place de l’Abbé Bonpain
59910 BONDUES – FRANCE
Tel : +33 (0)3 20 28 88 32
Email : hpriego@mairie-bondues.fr