Battalion 18, which was sent to France on 22 June 1944 and reached Vichy on 29 June. The troops were divided among Thiers, Randan, Saint-Yorre, Le Mayet-de-Montagne, the Francs-Tireurs et Partisans (FTP) of the 103rd FFI battalion (led by Major André Rossignol, known as "Pigeon") and the 104th Battalion of Major Roger Beligat (alias "Alain Derval"). The mayor, appointed by the Vichy regime, and the sub-prefect were intermediaries between the FFI and the German troops. Economy Thiers is known for its cutlery, and a museum in the old quarter exhibits the history of knife-making. Further along the valley, the industrial-heritage museum l'Usine du May, opened in 2009. Factories include Forges Gorce, who make blades for agricultural machinery from hedge trimmers to combine harvesters. Tourism Thiers has seven hotels, six guest rooms, three gîtes, and three campsites. A tourist office is at the foot of the half-timbered castle of Pirou in the town center. Museums The Cutlery Museum has permanent and temporary exhibits and demonstrations of the work of cutlers. Le Creux de l'enfer is a center of contemporary art, with national and international programming. Entertainment Le Métro is a concert hall dedicated to contemporary music. The Moulin bleu is a cabaret. The three-screen Monaco Cinema has a varied program, and the local cinema club presents a film every month. Thiers was featured in François Truffaut's 1976 film, Small Change. It is the birthplace of journalist Claire Chazal and actor Zinedine Soualem. Festivals The annual Pamparina music festival has been held on the town streets during the first weekend in July since 1997. The international festival attracted over 45,000 people in 2016 and 2017. Each spring since 1991, the Coutellia knife festival has more than 100 exhibitors from around the world. The festival features demonstrations and friendly competition. A Christmas market has been held at three locations in the town center each December since 2012. Leisure and sports Thiers has three stadiums: the Antonin Chastel stadium in the lower town; the Gravels stadium in the upper town, and a stadium in the leisure centre of Iloa. The centre, Auvergne's largest, is part of the Natura 2000 network and the Livradois-Forez Regional Natural Park. Sister cities Thiers has been a sister city of Bridgnorth, England since 1978 and Schrobenhausen, Germany since 1986. Gallery See also Laguiole knife Marjacq knife Communes of the Puy-de-Dôme department References External links Auvergne Communes of Puy-de-Dôme Subprefectures