To escape the Nazi occupation of the north of France several artists installed themselves in the south west, most famous perhaps Yves Brayer who lived in Cordes and Jacques Villon who found a place in Gaillac.
To remember these artists who found a "little Tuscany" in the Tarn, an exhibition of their works has been collected from all around the world and will be open in the Musee de Beaux Arts in Gaillac from 6th June until 13th December.
Brayer's wife recalled that in those days Cordes was practically deserted and the Germans never came there. "Jews and maquisards walked openly in the streets" and the local and Spanish refugee girls were a plentiful supply of models.
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