The History Fortnight officially began this Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the Salle du Pastel, bringing together around a hundred people. This edition is dedicated to the Chemin des Dames, one of the most tragic battles of the First World War. The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Jean-Paul Denanot, in the presence of Mr. Laurent Lafaye, Mayor of Feytiat and Vice-President of Limoges Métropole, Mr. Dimitri Niossobantou, Deputy Mayor for Culture, and Mr. Michel Passe, member of the Cultural Advisory Committee.
A poignant moment of the inauguration was the intervention of François Hollande, who shared the story of his grandfather Gustave, a combatant at Chemin des Dames. This personal testimony highlighted how the memory of conflicts is passed down through individual and family histories. The morning continued with a performance by the choir « Les Amis de Louise » and a reception.
Until November 21, the André-Périgord Municipal Library hosts the traveling exhibition « 1917, Chemin des Hommes ». Originally conceived by the Musée du Chemin des Dames – Caverne du Dragon and the Department of Aisne, it covers the major events of 1917, including the Nivelle Offensive, the mutinies, the appearance of tanks, the Russian Revolution, and the United States' entry into the war. Personal items from soldiers, loaned by Feytiat residents, enrich the presentation.
On Saturday, November 7, at 3:30 PM, a conference led by Julia Bourneuf from CRID Toulouse provided historical insight into « The Chemin des Dames Offensive », explaining its stakes, progression, and deadly consequences. The Fortnight will continue on Friday, November 20, at 8 PM, in the Salle du Conseil of Feytiat Town Hall, with a conference on « Songs of the Great War » by Julien Blottière.
Through this History Fortnight, the City of Feytiat invites everyone to discover or rediscover the history of the Chemin des Dames. Documents, objects, testimonies, conferences, and songs contribute to keeping this collective memory alive. The History Fortnight runs until November 21, 2026. The exhibition is accessible during the opening hours of the André-Périgord Municipal Library. Open to all, free entry.
