French historical commemorations of World Wars I and II

In late 2026, France is hosting various historical commemorations to honor the memory of the World Wars.

The WWI Heritage Mission is organizing the inaugural edition of ‘Grands Jours de la mémoire’ from November 3 to November 11, 2026. This memorial itinerary connects UNESCO World Heritage sites stretching from Alsace to Flanders. Specific events include a stop in the Meuse department on November 5 featuring theatrical performances and a public magazine presentation at the Verdun Memorial, as well as a roundtable discussion on November 7 in the Ardennes involving filmmaker Serge Tignères.

Parallel to these WWI events, the association Les Amis de Pforzheim is hosting an exhibition in La Bresse from October 31 to November 11, 2026. This exhibition marks the 80th anniversary of 1944 events, focusing on mass raids in the Hautes Vosges, the deportation of men to Pforzheim, Germany, and the civilian exodus during the winter of 1944-1945.

As All Saints' Day approaches, additional ceremonies are scheduled. In Niort, the city and Souvenir français will hold a ceremony at the Sablières cemetery on November 1 to honor 179 soldiers and victims from both World Wars. In Seine-et-Marne, the Catholic Church is highlighting the lives of martyrs killed in 1944 and 1945. Religious communities in Tarare and Calvados are also marking the solemnity with prayers. Traditional customs, such as decorating graves with chrysanthemums, remain prominent during this period.