Who was Marthe Simard? Place Marthe Simard commemorates a remarkable woman. This square in the 14th arrondissement of Paris carries her name. Inaugurated in 2011, Place Marthe Simard honors a Franco-Quebecer. She was a key figure in the French Resistance during World War II.
Place Marthe Simard begins at Avenue de la Porte de Vanves. It ends at Rue Maurice Noguès. You can reach it by taking Metro line 13 to Porte de Vanves station.
Marthe Simard was born Marthe Caillaud in 1901. She married Quebec doctor André Simard. During the Second World War, she helped create Free France networks. In Quebec, she founded the first Free France Committee. It supported Charles de Gaulle’s movement. The committee grew to 1,800 members. Marthe’s determination inspired about 30 other local committees across the country.
The French Committee of National Liberation recognized her contribution. They appointed her to represent resistance movements abroad. In 1943, Marthe Simard became the first woman to sit in a French parliamentary assembly. This was the Provisional Consultative Assembly of Algiers. She became a champion for women’s voting rights. Marthe retired from politics in 1944. She chose to teach French at Université Laval. She also spent time with her family in Quebec.
France recognized Marthe Simard’s contributions. She was made a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. She also received the Resistance Medal. Her legacy lives on in Quebec too. A plaque marks her former residence in Quebec City.
Place Marthe Simard stands as a reminder of her courage. It also honors her dedication to freedom. Take a moment to reflect on Marthe Simard’s impact. She left a lasting legacy on both France and Quebec. This square celebrates a woman of extraordinary strength.