Fort Montluc Lyon

Built between 1831 and 1835 for use as a military prison, after the invasion of the unoccupied zone of Vichy France in November 1942 the Gestapo used it as a prison, interrogation centre and internment camp for those waiting for transfer to concentration camps. It is estimated that over 15,000 people were imprisoned in Montluc and over 900 of them were executed within it.

Notable prisoners include Jean Moulin (cell 130). During his trial, Klaus Barbie was forced to spend a night here (cell 136).
The main prison closed in 1997, with the female section closing in 2009. The prison memorial can now be visited (check with Tourist Information for visiting times, which are limited)

A memorial is also viewable on the SW corner exterior wall (the execution wall is a short distance away on the other side).
An escape from Fort Montluc is dramatised in the Robert Bresson’s 1957 film "A Man Escaped". The picture is based on the 1943 escape by André Devigny, who was held in cell 131.

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Source

• Text: Mr Bojangles
• Photos: Mr Bojangles