Mémorial du Camp de Rivesaltes
A profound memorial preserving the history of a former internment camp, offering a moving and educational experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for reflection
Mémorial du Camp de Rivesaltes
Best Time
Fewer crowds for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A profound memorial preserving the history of a former internment camp, offering a moving and educational experience.
"A must for those visiting the area, offering a deeply emotional and educational experience."
Allow ample time
Give yourself enough time to absorb the history and emotional impact of the site. It's a profound experience.
Consider language
Most exhibits are in French. A translation app can enhance understanding for non-French speakers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Debris Pavilions
Camp Grounds
Walk among the remnants of the camp, imagining the lives and struggles of those who were interned here.
The Informative Museum
Main Building
A well-designed museum with vivid displays detailing the camp's history and the personal stories of its inhabitants.
Individual Histories & Maps
Museum Exhibits
Discover the updated histories of individuals, their movements, internment, and escapes through compelling maps and diaries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Profound Experience
Language Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allow ample time
Give yourself enough time to absorb the history and emotional impact of the site. It's a profound experience.
Consider language
Most exhibits are in French. A translation app can enhance understanding for non-French speakers.
Air-conditioned comfort
The museum is nicely air-conditioned, offering a welcome break on hot days.
Reflect on history
This is a place to remember and learn from a difficult part of history.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allow ample time
Give yourself enough time to absorb the history and emotional impact of the site. It's a profound experience.
Consider language
Most exhibits are in French. A translation app can enhance understanding for non-French speakers.
Air-conditioned comfort
The museum is nicely air-conditioned, offering a welcome break on hot days.
Reflect on history
This is a place to remember and learn from a difficult part of history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Mémorial du Camp de Rivesaltes to be a fantastic and deeply moving museum, highly recommended for its informative displays and preservation of a crucial historical site. The air-conditioned museum offers a comfortable respite, though many note the primary language of exhibits is French, which can be a barrier for non-French speakers.
"Fantastic museum giving lots of information on the sad history of the camp. It is really great that the site was saved from destruction and serves to teach others what happened there. The museum is also nicely air conditioned so a nice respite on a hot day. Recommended."
Adam Woolfe
"Such an emotional experience. Very efficiently organised and a lot of time & expense has gone into vivid displays that well explain that dark time in history. I just felt that explanations should also be in English not just for the benefit of visitors from the UK but many other nationalities whose first language is not French or Spanish. This is a must for those visiting the area"
Philip Varley
"Stonishing place. What starts as a refugee camp for Spaniards and Catalans becomes a concentration camp for Gipsy and Jewish from the rest of Europe on the latest 30's from last century. Walking around the debris pavillions and imagine what the people been thru keeps you speechless. Part of our history that needs to be remembered."
Marc Hernandez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mémorial du Camp de Rivesaltes is located near Perpignan. Visitors often drive, as public transport options can be limited. Check local bus routes or consider a taxi service from Perpignan if you don't have a car.
Yes, there is typically parking available for visitors at the Mémorial du Camp de Rivesaltes. It's advisable to arrive a bit earlier during peak times to secure a spot.
While Rivesaltes town is accessible by train, reaching the memorial site itself might require a local bus or taxi from the town center. It's best to check current public transport schedules in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any potential closures before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is often a good idea, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Check the official website for booking options.
Yes, there is an admission fee to visit the museum and grounds. The cost is generally reasonable and contributes to the preservation of this important historical site.
Guided tours may be available, often focusing on specific aspects of the camp's history. Inquire at the visitor center or check the official website for tour schedules and booking information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Start with the museum to gain context, then explore the outdoor debris pavilions. Take your time to read the personal stories and maps.
The subject matter is sensitive and deals with difficult historical events. While educational, it may be emotionally challenging for younger children. Parental discretion is advised.
Most visitors spend at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum and the outdoor site. Allow extra time if you wish to deeply engage with the exhibits.
Yes, the memorial typically offers visitor facilities including restrooms. A gift shop may also be available, offering relevant books and souvenirs.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff regarding restrictions on photography, especially inside the museum exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't typically a full-service restaurant on-site. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water, or plan to dine in the nearby town of Rivesaltes or Perpignan.
Bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is usually permitted, especially for consumption in designated outdoor areas. Please be mindful of waste and keep the site clean.
📸 📸 Photography
The stark beauty of the debris pavilions against the sky can be very photogenic. The outdoor grounds offer opportunities for capturing the scale of the former camp.
While general photography of the grounds is usually allowed, check for specific rules regarding interior museum photography. Respect any posted signs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit with older children or teenagers, it's recommended to prepare them beforehand by discussing the historical context. Focus on the lessons of remembrance and the importance of human rights. The museum's well-presented information can serve as a powerful educational tool, but parental guidance will be key to processing the experience.
🤔 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
The detailed museum exhibits and the evocative outdoor grounds provide ample material for in-depth study. Consider dedicating a significant portion of your day to fully engage with the personal stories and historical context presented. The lack of crowds during off-peak times can further enhance this focused exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Camp
Walking through the debris pavilions offers a tangible connection to this past. These remnants of barracks and structures evoke the harsh living conditions and the sheer scale of the internment. The museum meticulously details the camp's evolution, from its initial purpose to its role in darker historical chapters, using personal accounts and historical documents to bring the stories of the internees to life.
It's crucial to understand that this memorial is not just about remembering the victims but also about learning from history to prevent future atrocities. The vivid displays and updated histories of individuals aim to humanize the statistics and underscore the profound impact of these events on countless lives.
Experiencing the Museum
While the displays are highly praised for their detail and presentation, a significant point raised by visitors is that the majority of the information is in French. For those who do not speak French, this can be a barrier to fully appreciating the depth of the stories being told. Bringing a translation app or a French-speaking companion can greatly enhance the experience.
Despite the language challenge, the emotional impact of the museum is undeniable. The dedication to preserving this history and sharing it with the public is evident, making it a significant educational stop for anyone interested in the region's past.
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