In order to experience what it must have been like to have lived in Montauban under German occupation during WWII, I decided to visit the area. The town and its history were pivotal to the story I was about to write.

In September 2013, I drove south, having booked accommodation at the Hotel du Commerce, a significant location in 'Something Old, Something New', the novel on which I was working. The hotel's exterior had changed little since 1944, the period I wished to recreate. Fortunately, the current owners were able to describe to me how the interior had changed. I would be able to reflect its previous appearance in my storyline.

The  Cathédrale Notre Dame is another building that features in the book and, similarly the river Tarn and its bridges. Whilst there, I also visited La Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation for more background information about the controls enforced by the German garrison, the Gestapo, the milice (a military style police force) and the thousands of troops based there after 1942.

At the Hôtel de Ville, Mme Roselyne Bedenes was extremely helpful. She introduced me to Pascal Leroy who looked after the Montauban archives. In all, a worthwhile visit enabling me to add realism to the novel.

Quotes from 'Something Old, Something New':

'To supplement the family income, Marie had started work at the Hôtel du Commerce in the town centre; the hotel bar was a favourite rendezvous for those soldiers billeted close to the town.'

'He turned for one last look at the Cathédrale Notre Dame and smiled. Thank you, he whispered before his feet changed direction. Minutes later he sat in the hotel bar, ordering a pastis.'

'They left the gardens shortly before mid-day to stroll through the quiet streets, following paths down towards the River Tarn.'

'The young couple walked back to the Jardin des Plantes where they parted company out of sight of onlookers who may have vented their anger at such a relationship.'