Friday 5 – Sunday 7 September

On Sunday, from the French side of the mountains, the Marche will leave from le Boréon to meet the Italians at the col de Cerise.

[This route is the same as last year, as the road leading to the Madone de Fenestre will not be reopened in 2025, due to flood damage.]

The activities will take place in Saint Martin Vésubie, with the exception of the Marche de la Mémoire, which will start higher up the valley in le Boréon.

Events are free of charge, except for meals which are chargeable and must be booked in advance.

If you plan to attend the weekend, please tell us by emailing marchedelamemoire@gmail.com.

Programme

Friday 5 September

19:30 – 22:00

Shabbat evening dinner, in Salle Jean Gabin. The meal will be fully kosher, with a choice of fish or vegetarian. Please book soon so we can finalise the arrangements with the caterers! (Final booking deadline: Monday 1 September). Location: at the end of the square with the main bus stop, the Place de la Gare.

Saturday 6 September

10:30 – 12:00	Walking tour of Saint Martin Vésubie. Meet by the Tourist Office.
15:00 – 17:00	Talks in the Mediathèque (library) of Saint Martin Vésubie, around the theme of the Jews of Saint Martin Vésubie in 1943: – “The ‘Jews of Saint-Martin-Vésubie’. ‘Résidence surveillée’ between the French state and Italian occupation” by Eric Gili, history-geography teacher and researcher. – “Jews in Saint Martin Vésubie in 1943: from Zionist utopia to biblical exodus” by Noël André, friend of the Musée de la Résistance Azuréenne. – Round table with children and grandchildren of Jews who were in Saint Martin Vésubie in 1943.
20:00 – 21:00	Une lumière dans la nuit (“A light in the night”), a one-person play (in French), acted by Else Lejamtel, based on the diary of Etty Hillesum, a young Dutch Jewish woman, from 1941 to 1943, before her death in Auschwitz.

Sunday 7 September

Marche de la Mémoire

Make sure you are prepared for a walk with 1050m height difference, reaching 2550m, and possible bad weather.

07:30	Meet outside the welcome chalet at le Boréon (Parc Alpha, D89 Chalet d’accueil du Boréon, 06450 Saint-Martin-Vésubie. See Google Maps), before starting the climb to the Col de Cerise. A group may start at 07:00, to allow more time for slower walkers.
12:00	Meet the walkers from the Italian side at the Col de Cerise pass. Followed by talks, singing and blowing of the shofar.
13:30	Commence the descent back to le Boréon.

Alternative programme in Saint Martin Vésubie

For those unable to participate in the climb, an alternative programme is planned in Saint Martin Vésubie.

09:30	Meet in the bookshop, la Vagabonde, for coffee and conversation.
11:15	Meet outside the bookshop, la Vagabonde, then walk along the Chemin de Berthemont to the Stolpersteine memorials in memory of the Dridso family. An easy 20-minute walk, each way.
12.30	A light lunch together can be booked for 12:30, using the button below. The venue will be advised later. The main item will be a pan bagnat – essentially a large sandwich filled with a salade niçoise. (Final booking deadline: Thursday 4 September). Note this meal is NOT for those joining in the Marche, who need to obtain their own food.
14:30	Projection of the film Liesel, an exodus under a lucky star, a French film. Liesel, from Vienna, fled into Italy from Saint Martin Vésubie, and now returns with her family to the places of her exodus. (We hope for English sub-titles). Will be followed by a discussion. In the Salle Jean Gabin.

After the Marche de la Mémoire

17:30	Ceremony in Saint Martin Vésubie by the memorials to the Righteous Among the Nations and to the Deported to commemorate the Jews who were deported, in the presence of Ivan Mottet, Mayor of Saint Martin Vésubie and a representative from Yad Vashem Nice Côte d’Azur. The names of those deported will be read.
18:30	Refreshments in the Town Hall, offered by the Municipality.