The Thaurion Gorge, summer 1944

The end of the summer of 1944 was marked by the withdrawal of German troops and the exodus of the militia from Limoges towards Allier. To hinder their movement, the Maquis carried out sabotage and ambushes throughout the road network. One morning in August, the inhabitants of Thauron were awakened by the rumble of an explosion, echoing throughout the valley... The bridge had been sabotaged: only one arch remained, making it impassable.