The Nightingale Escape Route

The Nightingale

Details the creation, operation, and impact of the resistance network that saved downed Allied airmen.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Conception of the Route Conception of the Route from "The Nightingale". A Bold Idea The Meeting Isabelle meets with Paul Lévy and Anouk. They discuss the problem of downed airmen. Isabelle suggests leading them over the Pyrenees.

Conception of the Route from "The Nightingale". A Bold Idea The Meeting Isabelle meets with Paul Lévy and Anouk. They discuss the problem of downed airmen. Isabelle suggests leading them over the Pyrenees.

A Bold Idea The Meeting Isabelle meets with Paul Lévy and Anouk. They discuss the problem of downed airmen. Isabelle suggests leading them over the Pyrenees. Skepticism The men are doubtful. A girl leading pilots across mountains? But Isabelle insists. She has the passion and the will. Gaëtan's Return Gaëtan appears at the meeting. He has been watching over Isabelle. His presence strengthens her resolve. The plan is set in motion.

First Crossing First Crossing from "The Nightingale". The Trial Run The Train Isabelle travels to Saint-Jean-de-Luz with four airmen. She flirts with German soldiers to distract them.

First Crossing from "The Nightingale". The Trial Run The Train Isabelle travels to Saint-Jean-de-Luz with four airmen. She flirts with German soldiers to distract them.

The Trial Run The Train Isabelle travels to Saint-Jean-de-Luz with four airmen. She flirts with German soldiers to distract them. The airmen follow at a distance. Madame Babineau She meets Micheline Babineau, who provides a guide, Eduardo. The crossing begins. The Mountains The group climbs through freezing rain and snow. One airman nearly gives up. Isabelle urges him on for his wife, Alice. They reach Spain. Success Isabelle delivers the airmen to the British consulate. She sends the message: "The Nightingale has sung." The route is born.

Expanding the Network Expanding the Network from "The Nightingale". Safe Houses and Money MI9 Funding Isabelle meets with British intelligence. They provide money and supplies. She sets up safe houses across France.

Expanding the Network from "The Nightingale". Safe Houses and Money MI9 Funding Isabelle meets with British intelligence. They provide money and supplies. She sets up safe houses across France.

Safe Houses and Money MI9 Funding Isabelle meets with British intelligence. They provide money and supplies. She sets up safe houses across France. The Passeurs She recruits local people to hide airmen. Each safe house is a link in the chain. The network grows. Constant Danger The Gestapo searches for the Nightingale. Isabelle changes identities frequently. She trusts no one completely. The work is exhausting but vital.

The Cost of Resistance The Cost of Resistance from "The Nightingale". Losses Arrests Many in the network are arrested. Henri Navarre is hanged. Anouk is sent to Ravensbrück. Isabelle's father is executed.

The Cost of Resistance from "The Nightingale". Losses Arrests Many in the network are arrested. Henri Navarre is hanged. Anouk is sent to Ravensbrück. Isabelle's father is executed.

Losses Arrests Many in the network are arrested. Henri Navarre is hanged. Anouk is sent to Ravensbrück. Isabelle's father is executed. The Weight Isabelle carries the guilt of their sacrifices. She keeps going because stopping would mean their deaths were in vain. The Final Crossings Despite the danger, Isabelle continues. She makes twenty-seven crossings in total. The Nightingale route becomes legendary.

Legacy of the Nightingale Legacy of the Nightingale from "The Nightingale". The Reunion The Invitation Fifty years later, Vianne receives an invitation to a reunion of passeurs in Paris. She decides to go.

Legacy of the Nightingale from "The Nightingale". The Reunion The Invitation Fifty years later, Vianne receives an invitation to a reunion of passeurs in Paris. She decides to go.

The Reunion The Invitation Fifty years later, Vianne receives an invitation to a reunion of passeurs in Paris. She decides to go. The Speech At the reunion, Vianne speaks about Isabelle. She tells the audience that Isabelle saved 117 men. The room applauds. Remembered Isabelle's story is told. She is honored as a hero. The Nightingale escape route is remembered as one of the most successful of the war.

October 1941

1942 – 1943

1943 – 1944

May 1995