Lors de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, pendant la période du régime de Vichy, la ligne de démarcation était la limite entre la zone libre (zone Sud à partir de novembre 1942) et la zone occupée par l'Armée allemande.
*Lors - time / at the time.
The demarcation line was an imaginary line which existed in France from 1940 -1942 which separated the Northern German ruled area of France from the Southern Free Zone.
The line was often referred to as the 'green line' because that's how it appeared on the map attached to the Armistice agreement.
To protect the interests of the Germans, French territory on the north and west of the line were occupied by German troops - areas which didn't already belong to the Germans would be occupied immediately after the conclusion of the agreement.
Of all of the French areas, the Germans completely controlled 42, partially controlled 13 but had no control over the remaining 35 - which was the zone libre.
The purpose of the line was to separate and create a distinct boundary between the free and the occupied zone.
Three quarters of French wheat and coal were produced in the occupied zone, and almost all the steel, textile, sugar which meant that the free zone was thus very dependent on Germany.
It was really difficult to cross the line because you had to obtain an identity card or a pass from the occupation authorities.
Only Pierre Laval had a permanent pass to cross the line of demarcation.
The end of the line of demarcation.
On November 11, 1942, following the Allied landings in North Africa, the Germans crossed the line and invaded the area libre. Italy, taking advantage of this invasion, decided to occupy the area it wanted, leading to the extension of the Italian occupation zone. This led, November 27, 1942, the scuttling of the French fleet at Toulon and the dissolution of the Army of Vichy. The line was abolished on 1 March 1943. However, fourteen checkpoints survived on the old main line route.
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