Voices of Exiles: Resistance & Exile - Saturday, September 28, 2024 -

Henry IV, the Protestant leader who became King of France, ended the Wars of Religion and restored peace throughout the kingdom. But following his assassination in 1610, the Huguenots were persecuted. The Protestant religion was definitively outlawed in 1685 by the repeal of the Edict of Nantes signed by the Sun King.

Faced with this repression, approximately 200,000 Protestants fled the kingdom to seek refuge in more tolerant countries, such as Switzerland, Germany, England, and the Netherlands. This exodus not only impoverished France by depriving it of an educated population, but it also enriched the host nations that benefited from the intellectual, economic, and cultural contributions of these refugees. The exile of Protestants is a poignant testimony to the consequences of religious intolerance and a reminder of the importance of freedom of conscience. The Voix d'Exils event , taking place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in Poët-Laval, recalls this little-known part of French history.

A day of remembrance and reflection on resistance and exile in Poët-Laval

On September 28, 2024 , the Voix d'Exils association is organizing a day on the theme of resistance and exile in Poët-Laval (listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France) and the surrounding area. This event, in collaboration with various associations such as La Cimade, offers a rich program that invites participants to dive into the heart of history, through interactive activities, conferences, and moments of conviviality.

A day punctuated by history and nature

The day will begin at 10 a.m. with an outdoor game on the theme of exile in Le Poët-Laval, allowing participants to explore this historically rich site while reflecting on the hardships endured by those forced to leave their homeland.

At midday, a meal at the village restaurant will allow you to regain your strength before continuing at 2 p.m. with a choice of a hike from Les Rouvières to the church of Comps or a visit to the refugee artists in Dieulefit.

At 3:30 p.m., Pierre Riahle will lead a memorial service to the Resistance in front of the church in Comps. This highlight will be followed at 4:30 p.m. by speeches in front of the Resistance Memorial in Dieulefit, a symbolic site where the memory of exiles and resistance fighters will be honored.

Friendly evening and moments of sharing

The day will conclude with a highlight at 7 p.m. with an exile soup served at the Maison fraternelle in Dieulefit. This meal will be accompanied by a lecture by Bernard Croissant, who will discuss the beginnings of La Cimade to today , an essential organization in supporting exiles. The evening will end with readings of stories of exiles , offering a moment of sharing and collective reflection.

This day promises to be rich in emotion and lessons, recalling the importance of collective memory and supporting people in exile. Voices of Exile provides an opportunity to reconnect with local history, celebrate human resilience, and explore the many facets of the notion of exile through varied and engaging activities.

Please feel free to participate and share this event, which will touch hearts and minds, while providing a space for dialogue and solidarity.

Program, prices & registration: registrations-voix-dexils-28-september-2024 / 06 74 00 60 42