Camp des Milles — Attraction in Aix-en-Provence

I visited there on September 1st, 2024. During a weekend of the summer school break there are very few visitors. I believe that it is only because only a few people know about it. It deserves much more attention. I have been to multiple Holocaust museums around the world and this stands right at the top alongside ones like the ones in Los Angeles and in Washington DC. It requires half a day for a visit, or at least a couple hours in a rush.

The museum is truly amazing! I took the self audio guide. This is a fully modern museum, with many audio-visual displays, movie rooms with panoramic screens etc - hosted in the original detention camp building. This combination gives the visitor a unique authentic experience alongside the rich educational content. Most of the wall displays were in both French and English (except of the last, new section about the common phases of genocides). The modern rooms contain a detailed chronological account of the major European events leading to the Holocaust; the personal stories of men and women detained here, including poets, artists and scientists; the history of the camp itself within the context of France during WWII, before and after the arrival of the Nazi. The rest of the building is accessible via doors and passages, revealing the original structure and the harsh conditions the inmates were held here - until most of them were sent on trains to Auschwitz to their death. Outside, across the road, there is one car of such a train, at a memorial site.

Note: The museum entrance might look like it is closed. You need to approach the security control building and ring the bell...

Great museum, especially since it's a former tile-factory. If you're looking for a half-day activity, and you are interested in World War II history, this is a must-visit. The museum tries to stimulate the visitor to reflect on what happened during WO2 and apply that to modern times.

There's a bus stop in front of the museum and a large parking lot as well Museum is very rich in information, there's just so much to read and see - you're guided through the museum/factory with signs. Audio guides are offered in French and English (€5 per person) Information in the museum is written in French and English, except for films and audio pieces (just French) If you'd read and go over everything, be prepared to spend around 3 hours here Entrance is about €9.50 for adults There are expositions at the end of the museum, that vary from time to time. There's a vending machine with ice cold drinks and snacks at the end of the museum Last but not least: on hot days, the museum is gonna be hot too - there's no proper air conditioning in most parts of...

Poignant reminder of man’s inhumanity to man especially to those who do not fit in or conform. The camp has three significant periods: the first is the roundup and internment of potential enemy combatants, especially Germans and Austrians. The second is the roundup by the Vichy government of undesirables. The third is the roundup and deportation of the Jews. The museum does a very good job of presenting this difficult history but that being said, the museum needs to review the signage. One can easily lose one’s way. In addition, it is difficult to know where to find the “salle des peintures” where the murals are located. I highly recommend a visit. To properly visit you need 3 to 4 hours. It also may be too graphic for small children. People who think and believe the holocaust never occurred...