5 (0)
Paris
Paris: WWII Occupation & Liberation History Tour
135
Overview
Occupation and Liberation of Paris offers a rare chance to explore famous and lesser-known sites, illuminated by historical context and compelling photos, to understand France's darkest period. This walking tour immerses visitors in the daily lives of Parisians during the Occupation, the artistic responses to it, and the key locations where history unfolded.
Expect to visit significant landmarks such as the Place de l'Opéra, Place Vendôme with the Ritz Hotel, and Place de la Concorde, each holding stories of wartime Paris. The tour also delves into the Occupation-era Daily Life Sites, Sites of Artistic Life Under the Occupation, Passages and Former Brothel, Drouot Auction House, Town Hall, Former Banks and Paris Stock Exchange, and Requisitioned Cinema and Anti-Semitic Propaganda Site. Explore hidden passages, former brothels, and the Drouot auction house, offering a glimpse into the city's hidden history.
The tour includes free access to all visited buildings. Please note that the tour is conducted in French; for an English tour, you may contact the operator. This small-group walking tour provides an intimate and in-depth experience of Paris's wartime past. 
Highlights
Discover Hidden History: Uncover the stories of Paris during its Occupation, away from the typical tourist trail.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy an intimate tour with a small group for a more personalized experience.
Expert Local Guide: Learn from a knowledgeable guide passionate about Parisian history.
Key Historical Sites: Visit iconic locations like Place de l'Opéra and Place Vendôme, pivotal during the war.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers appreciate the guide's expertise and the tour's in-depth exploration of Paris's Occupation history. The small group size and use of historical photos are frequently praised, though the language barrier for non-French speakers is a limitation.
Guides are very knowledgeable and passionate.
The tour provides a unique perspective on Parisian life during the Occupation.
The use of historical photos enhances the experience.
The small group setting allows for a more personal and engaging tour.
The tour is only available in French.
Some sites may be more impactful than others.
The Journey
Occupation-Era Daily Life Sites
Delve into the heart of Parisian daily life under the Occupation, exploring locations where dramatic anecdotes unfolded and ordinary citizens navigated the extraordinary challenges of wartime. These sites serve as a window into the resilience, resourcefulness, and quiet acts of defiance that defined the era, revealing the human stories behind the historical events.
Sites of Artistic Life Under the Occupation
Discover the vibrant yet defiant artistic scene that thrived under the Occupation. Explore the former locations of stars, music halls, and cinemas, where artists continued to create and perform, offering solace and resistance through their work. These cultural hubs reveal the power of art to transcend oppressive times.
Passages and Former Brothel
Step back in time within the historic passages, preserved with the atmosphere and decorations reminiscent of the Occupation. Across from the passages, learn about a building that once housed a brothel requisitioned by the German army. These locations offer a stark contrast, showcasing the blend of everyday life and the harsh realities of the era.
Drouot Auction House
Visit Drouot, where a significant number of objects and works of art were sold during the Occupation. Uncover the dark history of Jewish property spoliation and the role of a German art dealer working for the Reich. This site serves as a somber reminder of the economic and cultural impact of the war on Paris.
Town Hall
Explore the Town Hall, a focal point for stories of Resistance. Discover the tales of an employee involved in the Resistance movement, as well as the complex dynamics of denunciation and ordinary resistance that played out across France during the war. This location offers insights into the courage and moral dilemmas faced by ordinary citizens.
Former Banks and Paris Stock Exchange
Investigate the role of banks during the Occupation and the surprising situation on the Paris Stock Exchange. Understand the armistice agreements between France and Germany and the resulting economic and political landscape. This site sheds light on the financial and political complexities of the era.
Requisitioned Cinema and Anti-Semitic Propaganda Site
See an example of a cinema requisitioned for German soldiers. Nearby, discover the site of a former building that hosted an infamous anti-Semitic propaganda exhibition. This juxtaposition highlights the cultural and ideological battlegrounds of the Occupation, revealing the dark side of wartime propaganda.
Place de l'Opéra
Experience the Place de l'Opéra, a location laden with symbolism from the Occupation. Hear the anecdotes surrounding the Kommandantur, the Café de la Paix, and the Opéra itself, each a stage for stories of collaboration, resistance, and survival during this tumultuous period. The opulence of the Opera house stands in stark contrast to the wartime events unfolding around it.
Place Vendôme and the Ritz Hotel
After discussing the fate of jewelry stores on rue de la Paix, explore Place Vendôme, once home to the Ministry of Justice occupied by the German army. Learn about one of the first Resistance networks established nearby and visit the Ritz hotel, a notorious hub of Collaboration and occupation, frequented by celebrities and high-ranking officials. This square encapsulates the stark contrasts of power, resistance, and opulence during the war.
Meurice Hotel
Discover how the Meurice Hotel, along with other large hotels, served as headquarters for the German army. Uncover the stories of key figures connected to these locations and the intense battles of the Liberation that eventually unfolded here. The Meurice offers a glimpse into the lives of those who wielded power during the Occupation and the dramatic events that led to the city's liberation.
Place de la Concorde
Reflect on the traces of the battles of the Liberation at Place de la Concorde. Pay tribute to the soldiers, resistance fighters, and ordinary civilians commemorated on the memorial plaques, who played a crucial role in these events. Engage with historical photos on the terrace to better grasp the era and honor the significant contributions of various figures. This square marks a pivotal moment in Paris's history, symbolizing the city's hard-fought freedom.
Know Before You Go
This walking tour includes free access to all buildings visited. It does not include transportation or personal expenses. The tour is conducted in French; contact the operator for English tour availability. Meet at the designated starting point; details will be provided upon booking.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as this is a walking tour. Bringing a bottle of water is also recommended, especially during warmer months. Some reviewers mention that it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of French history to fully appreciate the context provided during the tour.
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