Thalveg, it turns out, is a shell company, sister to others with names like Orange Computer, Purple Mountain Server and Maquis Techtrix.

FORBES: Patent Stalker

Their immediate job was to work with the local Maquis to cause as much disruption as possible before D-day five weeks later.

ECONOMIST: Nancy Wake

In Mougins, a few miles inland from Cannes, I opened the door to a stunning hotel room that overlooked a valley and the grey-green maquis of Provence.

BBC: Travelling solo in the world��s most romantic country

When she was with the Maquis, silk stockings and Elizabeth Arden face cream were often dropped for her by parachute, along with Sten guns, radios and grenades.

ECONOMIST: Nancy Wake

But don't miss a hike with botanist Stephane Rogliano through the maquis, the hypnotically fragrant cover of shrubs and wild herbs (mint, thyme, laurel, rosemary) that spreads over much of the island.

FORBES: Domaine de Murtoli, Corsica