If you had NO interest or desire to be a part of Le Maquis, and just wanted to be left alone, where in France was the best place to be. I realize this may have no sensible answer, but I'm just curious. Would down in SW France be best? The Riviera? Where? Thank you.
Closer to the German border might have been slightly better or in a major city where you could be somewhat anonymous might have been a option as opposed to a small isolated community where everyone knows everyone's business.
Well while the Vichy government lasted being in the unoccupied parts of France would probably be best. Looking at the maps at: German military administration in occupied France during World War II - Wikipedia Parts at least of the SW were occupied shortly after the surrender. I'd guess that small towns in the interior would be best. Especially if they were a distance from railroads or major highways.
I can see the logic in that but suspect a small town/ village where they seldom even saw a German would be a better fit. Problem is it changes over time. While Italy is still in the war on the Axis side near the Italian border or along the Riviera (but off of it a bit) would be good. Later in the war not so much. A small town say midway between the Atlantic and the med 30-50 miles from the Spanish border might be good for most of the war.
The quietest places to have lived - I guess you are asking which areas of France are least interferred with by the Occupying Forces - would be Central France, Mountain areas, and rural areas. I live in Morbihan a part of Brittany and to be honest I think the Germans would have found it very difficult to control 100% of the area unless they used an inordinately high number of men. Areas around the coast were very militarised and controlled for obvious reasons, as were airfields, ports and major towns. I have read that at times it was dificult for the Germans to patrol at night in some of the smaller towns & villages as they never knew 'what was around the corner'. TD
