République des Enfants

The “Children's Republic” was an important experiment in education. It was part of the movement in citizenship education occurring in different parts of the world and advocating the respect for children. It began in 1946 with the arrival of children from the south of France or young Spanish refugees, most of whom were orphans. Here homes were gradually built, community centres and holiday camps. This explains this large building at Moulin Vieux, which is called the Colonie (camp) or the Republic, and which today welcomes travellers and holidaymakers.