Musée de la Résistance

The Musée de la Résistance de Bondues in Lille’s suburbs is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the French Resistance during the Second World War. This museum offers a poignant insight into the courageous efforts of those who fought against the Nazi occupation in this region of France.

During the Second World War, the northern part of France, including Lille, was under German occupation. The local population endured severe restrictions and repression, prompting the rise of resistance movements. The French Resistance in this area was characterised by a network of brave people who engaged in espionage, sabotage and other forms of defiance against the occupiers. Their actions played a crucial role in gathering intelligence, aiding Allied forces, and maintaining the spirit of resistance among the French people.

The Musée de la Résistance de Bondues stands as a tribute to these valiant efforts. The museum is housed in Fort de Bondues, briefly known as Fort Lobau, which itself holds historical significance as a site where resistance members were imprisoned and executed by the Germans.

What to see at the Musée de la Résistance

Visitors to the Musée de la Résistance de Bondues can see a variety of exhibits that explore different aspects of the French Resistance. These displays include photographs, documents and artefacts that tell the stories of resistance fighters, their operations and the challenges they faced.

Films and audio recordings offer firsthand accounts from resistance members, providing an intimate understanding of their motivations, experiences and sacrifices. These presentations are particularly effective in conveying the emotional and psychological aspects of life under occupation and the determination of those who chose to resist.

The museum is located in Fort de Bondues, adding a layer of historical significance to the visit. Here you can explore the cells where resistance members were held and the execution site where many met their tragic end. This setting underscores the harsh realities faced by the resistance fighters and the brutal response of the occupying forces.

Visiting the Musée de la Résistance

The Musée de la Résistance is in Bondues in Lille’s suburbs, around 7km north of the city centre. There is not a lot else of interest in the immediate vicinity around the museum other than a large Castorama hardware store, a Subway sandwich shop and a Carrefour supermarket.

It is easiest to visit if you’re driving, although it is also accessible by public transport with bus L91 running from Gare Lille Flandres 2–3 times per hour with a journey time of 20 minutes.

The museum is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year (closed on Tuesdays and on weekends).

Admission costs €6 and entry is free of charge with the Lille City Pass.

The museum is wheelchair accessible.

Allow 1–2 hours for your visit to the Musée de la Résistance plus additional travel time from central Lille.

avenue du General de Gaulle, 59910 Bondues
Bus 86, 89, L91 (stop: Fort de Bondues)
Website www.ville-bondues.fr/musee
Admission €6, children (under 12) free, free with the Lille City Pass
Open Jan–Jun Mon & Wed–Fri 2pm–4.30pm; Jul–Aug Mon & Wed–Fri 2pm–6pm; Sep–Dec Mon & Wed–Fri 2pm–4.30pm