5 (4)
Paris
Paris WWII Occupation: A Historical Walking Tour
135
Overview
World War Two: The Occupation of Paris offers a rare glimpse into one of the darkest periods in French history. This walking tour guides participants through the streets of Paris, revealing locations that played significant roles during the Nazi occupation. See Paris in a new light, exploring places that witnessed both collaboration and resistance.
Participants will walk through key locations like the Place de l'Opéra, Place Vendôme, and Place de la Concorde, each holding untold stories from the war. The tour also visits Parisian entertainment venues, a location with a former bordello, the Drouot Auction House, and even a former movie theater that once hosted an antisemitic exhibition. This immersive experience brings history to life. Explore iconic landmarks and learn about the people who lived through these challenging times.
This experience includes access to all visited buildings and lasts for a duration that allows for in-depth exploration. The tour excludes personal expenses and focuses on providing a comprehensive historical overview of Paris during World War II. 
Highlights
Uncover Hidden History: Explore Paris's WWII past through captivating stories and visuals.
Visit Key Occupation Sites: See iconic locations like Place de l'Opéra and Place Vendôme.
Expert Local Guide: Learn from a knowledgeable guide with historical insights.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal and intimate tour setting.
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers found the tour very informative and appreciated the guide's knowledge. However, some mentioned issues with hearing the guide and the organization of the tour.
Customers really enjoyed hearing stories about the war.
Many people liked seeing pictures that went with the tour.
Customers say the guide was very knowledgeable.
Visitors felt like they learned a lot about Paris' history.
Some people had a hard time hearing the guide.
A few customers wished the tour was more organized.
The Journey
Paris (General Overview)
Delve into the dark days of WWII in Paris, where the start of the war and the subsequent occupation transformed the City of Lights. Explore dramatic anecdotes and glimpses into daily life under Nazi rule, setting the stage for a powerful and immersive historical exploration.
Parisian Entertainment Venues
Uncover the surprising vibrancy of Paris's artistic scene during the occupation. Discover how movie stars, music halls, and movie theaters continued to operate, providing both escapism and a backdrop for complex social dynamics, reflecting the resilience and contradictions of Parisian life under duress.
Location with Former Bordello
Stand where history whispers tales of occupation, observing the preserved atmosphere and settings reminiscent of WWII Paris. This particular location provides a chilling glimpse into the requisition of buildings, including a former bordello seized by the German army, illustrating the stark realities of control and exploitation.
Drouot Auction House
Witness the dark legacy of Drouot auction house, where countless objects and artworks were sold during the occupation. Unravel the tragic story of mass looting of Jewish property and the role of a German art dealer working for the Reich, a chilling reminder of cultural plunder and loss during the war.
Town Hall of the 9th Arrondissement
Reflect on the complexities of resistance and collaboration at the town hall of the 9th arrondissement. Discover stories of local employees involved in the Résistance, while also confronting the uncomfortable truths of denunciation and passive resistance within French society during WWII.
Undisclosed Bank Location
Explore the hidden financial dimensions of the occupation by understanding the role of banks during this period. Delve into the armistice convention between France and Germany and its profound impact on the economic and political landscape, revealing the intricacies of power and compliance.
Former Movie Theater and Antisemitic Exhibition Site
Experience a chilling juxtaposition of entertainment and propaganda. Visit a former movie theater requisitioned for German soldiers and a nearby building that once hosted the infamous Nazi propaganda exhibition, "The Jews and France," highlighting the insidious spread of antisemitism during the occupation.
Place de l'Opéra
Immerse yourself in the symbolic heart of occupied Paris at the Place de l'Opéra. Discover the historical significance of the Kommandantur's presence and uncover compelling anecdotes from the era surrounding the Café de la Paix and the Opéra itself, revealing the daily lives and hidden stories within these iconic landmarks.
Place Vendôme
Reflect on the economic and political realities of the occupation by visiting Place Vendôme. Discover the fate of the jewelry stores on Rue de la Paix and explore the history of the law ministry occupied by the German army, as well as the brave beginnings of a nearby resistance network, showcasing acts of defiance amidst oppression.
The Ritz Hotel
Step into the opulent world of The Ritz Hotel, a pivotal site of occupation and collaboration. Uncover tales of celebrities, spies, and military figures who frequented this luxurious haven, revealing a complex network of power, intrigue, and hidden agendas.
Hotel Meurice (and Surrounding Palace Hotels)
Explore the grandeur of palace hotels like the Hotel Meurice, which served as headquarters for the German army. Delve into the stories of key figures associated with these locations and recount the fierce battles of the "Libération" that unfolded here, marking the end of Nazi occupation.
Place de la Concorde
Contemplate the liberation of Paris at the Place de la Concorde, a site marked by the scars of battle and dedicated memorial plaques. Review historical photos that illustrate the square during WWII. Reflect on the significance of this iconic location, once used by Germans to store art stolen from Jewish families before it was sent to Germany, and the role it played in the events that shaped the city's destiny.
Know Before You Go
This walking tour includes visits to various historical buildings that are free to access. It does not include personal expenses such as food, drinks, or souvenirs. Please note that pickup and drop-off services are not provided; participants meet at a designated location in central Paris. Be prepared for walking and standing for an extended period, and ensure comfortable footwear.
Hot Tip
Based on reviews, try to stand closer to the guide during explanations to ensure you can hear everything clearly. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves a good amount of walking. Bringing a bottle of water is also a good idea, especially on warmer days.
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