Spanish migration to the south of France has a long and multifaceted history, marked by waves of movement tied to political upheavals, economic opportunities, and cultural exchanges. The proximity of Spain to the southern regions of France, particularly Occitanie (which includes areas historically part of Languedoc-Roussillon) and Provence, made this area a natural destination for Spanish migrants. These movements became particularly significant from the 19th century onward, with the most notable wave occurring during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939).

Early Migration and Cultural Ties

1. Medieval Period to Early Modern Era:
   Cultural and economic exchanges between southern France and Spain (especially Catalonia and Aragon) date back to the Middle Ages. The border between the two regions has always been fluid, especially for trade, pilgrimages (such as to Santiago de Compostela), and other forms of movement. The region of Roussillon, part of modern France but historically a Catalan territory, was under Spanish rule until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 when it became part of France. Many people in this border region shared a common Catalan identity and linguistic ties, leading to cross-border movement long before the concept of modern migration.
2. Agricultural and Seasonal Labor:
   Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Spanish workers, especially from Catalonia and Aragon, migrated seasonally to work in agriculture in southern France. These early migrants often came for harvest seasons and would return to Spain afterward, establishing a tradition of economic migration to the fertile regions of Provence and Languedoc.

19th Century Migration

During the 19th century, the modernization of agriculture and industry in France, along with political instability in Spain, led to increased migration.

• Economic Migration: Spanish peasants and laborers from impoverished rural areas migrated to southern France in search of better economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture, construction, and later in industry. The vineyards, olive groves, and other agricultural enterprises of Occitanie and Provence attracted many Spanish workers.
• Political Exiles: In the mid-to-late 19th century, Spain underwent several periods of political unrest, including civil wars such as the Carlist Wars (1833–1876). These conflicts generated waves of refugees who sought safety in France. These political migrants, unlike seasonal workers, often settled more permanently.

Early 20th Century and World War I

By the early 20th century, Spanish migration to southern France was becoming more structured and sustained:

1. Economic Opportunities: Spain remained relatively underdeveloped compared to France, and the southern French regions, with their thriving agricultural sectors and burgeoning industries, continued to attract Spanish laborers. Many Spanish immigrants found work in the vineyards of Bordeaux and Occitanie, as well as in the construction of infrastructure projects such as railways and roads.
2. World War I (1914–1918): The outbreak of World War I led to a labor shortage in France as many Frenchmen were conscripted into the army. Spanish workers were recruited to fill these gaps, especially in agriculture, industry, and factory work. This labor migration significantly increased the Spanish presence in southern France, with many workers staying after the war ended.

The Spanish Civil War and La Retirada (1936–1939)

The most significant and dramatic wave of Spanish migration to southern France occurred as a result of the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), culminating in the mass exodus known as La Retirada.

1. The Spanish Civil War: The war between the Republican forces and the Nationalists under General Francisco Franco was a deeply divisive and violent conflict. As Franco’s Nationalist forces gained ground, especially after the fall of Barcelona in January 1939, hundreds of thousands of Republicans – including soldiers, civilians, intellectuals, and political leaders – fled across the Pyrenees into France.
2. La Retirada (1939): Between 400,000 and 500,000 Spanish refugees crossed into southern France in early 1939, in what became one of the largest refugee crises in Europe at the time. These refugees included a diverse cross-section of Spanish society: Republicans, anarchists, communists, trade unionists, Basques, Catalans, and ordinary civilians who feared reprisals under Franco’s dictatorship.
   • Internment Camps: The French government, unprepared for this massive influx, hastily set up internment camps along the Mediterranean coast, such as in Argelès-sur-Mer, Saint-Cyprien, and Le Barcarès. Conditions in these camps were harsh, with inadequate shelter, food, and sanitation. Many refugees died from exposure and disease in these camps.
   • Forced Labour and Internment: With the onset of World War II, many Spanish refugees were enlisted in labor battalions or conscripted into the French army. Others were interned by the Nazi collaborationist Vichy regime, and some were deported to German concentration camps, such as Mauthausen.
3. Long-Term Impact: Despite the initial hardships, many Spanish refugees integrated into French society. After the war, a significant number of the Spanish refugees settled permanently in France, contributing to the local economy, especially in agriculture, industry, and construction. Others joined the French Resistance during the Nazi occupation, continuing their fight against fascism in their adopted country.

Post-World War II and Spanish Economic Migration

After World War II, another wave of Spanish migrants arrived in southern France, driven by economic conditions in Spain under Franco’s dictatorship, which was marked by poverty, unemployment, and economic isolation.

• Migration of the 1950s and 1960s: During this period, Spanish economic migrants arrived in large numbers, particularly from rural areas of Andalusia, Extremadura, Galicia, and Castile. They were attracted by the economic boom in France, which was rebuilding after the war and needed labor for industries such as construction, mining, and agriculture.
• Spanish Communities in Southern France: By the mid-20th century, substantial Spanish communities had established themselves in cities such as Perpignan, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Montpellier. Many of these migrants were temporary workers, but a significant portion settled permanently, further enriching the cultural and social fabric of the region.

Cultural Impact and Integration

1. Spanish Identity in the South of France: Spanish migrants and their descendants have left a lasting impact on the culture of southern France. Spanish communities have maintained a distinct cultural identity, particularly in Catalonia Nord (the French part of Catalonia), where Catalan language and culture are still alive. Festivals, music, and cuisine in the south of France also show strong Spanish influences, especially in Roussillon and Provence.
2. Political Influence: Many Spanish migrants, especially those who fled Franco’s regime, were politically active in France. Republican and anarchist exiles formed part of the French labor movement, and their experiences in Spain influenced French left-wing politics, particularly in cities like Toulouse, which became a hub for the Spanish Republican diaspora.

Contemporary Spanish Migration

While the major waves of Spanish migration to southern France occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries, there is still movement today, although on a smaller scale.

• Cross-Border Mobility: The establishment of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement has facilitated easier movement across the Franco-Spanish border. Catalonia Nord remains an area with strong Spanish ties, and many people cross the border regularly for work, shopping, or family visits.
• Economic Migrants: In recent decades, Spain’s economic crises, such as the one following the 2008 financial collapse, led to renewed migration, with some Spaniards seeking opportunities in southern France, particularly in the fields of hospitality, tourism, and seasonal agriculture.

The history of Spanish migration in southern France is a story of hardship, resilience, and integration. From early medieval movement to the mass exodus of La Retirada, and the economic migrants of the 20th century, Spaniards have played a crucial role in shaping the social, economic, and cultural landscape of the region. Today, the legacy of Spanish migration is visible in the vibrant Spanish and Catalan communities that continue to enrich southern France.