A rusting car shell where it was left outside a building in Oradour-sur-Glane (Image: Getty)
The cars parked outside what remains of the homes set an eerie scene for a visit to this town that appears to have been frozen in time and will “shatter” the emotions of some visitors.
The village of Oradour-sur-Glane, hidden away in the Limousin countryside in central France, is a harrowing reminder to a shocking past as the scene of one of WWII’s most disturbing atrocities.
It was here on June 10, 1944, that 642 of its inhabitants were massacred after being rounded by the Nazi Waffen-SS.
Most were machine gunned to death on the spot, but many were also burned alive.
What still stands today appears as if any survivors just left.
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The houses and shops have since crumbled and lay in ruins (Image: Getty)
642 residents were massacred in the village in 1944 (Image: Getty)
The houses and shops have since crumbled and lay in ruins, but many of the original details, such as the cars, but some buildings still contain items such as rusting lamps, sewing machines and pots and pans.
On June 10 this year, French President Emmanuel Macron attended a memorial ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the Nazi massacre, when images of many of the victims were displayed.
Mr Macron was joined by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who said: “Let us never forget the damage done in Europe by nationalism and hate. Let us never forget the miracle of reconciliation the has worked”.
Anyone wishing to learn about the history of the ghost town should visit The Centre de la Mémoire, which commemorates the crimes that took place with testimonials, exhibits and films shedding light on its bloody past.
Visitors to the village are usually affected emotionally by the remains.
The village high street still stands today (Image: Getty)
One posted on Tripadvisor: “A sombre stop that is important to see. A visit begins with a downhill walk to the museum, where there is a timeline of WWII events and then a section showing the everyday life of this village and what happened when the Nazis arrived.
“Leaving the museum, you walk uphill to the Village des Martyrs. It is sobering to see the burned-out building and read the signs telling the story. This village is much larger than anticipated, but I would encourage you to walk all the way out to the cemetery.”
Another said: “The village was a lot larger than we anticipated so I would allow a whole day. Be prepared to have your emotions shattered! The whole site is a true tribute to the inhabitants massacred.
“It is a place that will shock you, a place where you cannot understand the absolute horror that entailed.
“The poignant site is filled with details that brings the place to life – signs detailing what the buildings were, who lived there, household items left in situ or where they fell. It is a place that must be experienced – the monstrosity is completely incomprehensible.”