World War II Paris Walking Tour
Sunday, November 2nd, 2008
The Nazi occupation of Paris was one of France’s darkest times. You can take a 2-hour World War II Walking tour of Paris that will cover sites and stories about life in Paris during the invasion, the Resistance, D-Day invasion and the Liberation of Paris by the Allies.
The tour will include the Hotel Meurice which was used as the Nazi headquarters during the occupation and that still carries a bullet hole in the doors crest. You’ll also visit Prefecture de Police which is the current-day Police headquarters and site of the initial uprising against the occupation. See the Deportation Memorial constructed in memory of the over 200,000 individuals sent to concentration camps across Europe.
Hear about the Resistance leaders, secret communications, sabotage and the resistance member’s fate when caught. You’ll get a glimpse into Parisian Life during the occupation and about a time in life spent looking over your shoulder.
Learn about Charles de Gaulle who was the leader of the Free French and future President of the Republic. You can try to experience the Liberation as fighting raged throughout the city until the surrender on August 25 1944. You’ll also feel the anguish of Germany’s Conquest of France and the blitzkrieg that overwhelmed France’s defenses. You’ll also hear about General Petain who collaborated with the Nazis and headed the Vichy government of occupied France.
Tours are held February 15 to November 30 every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting at 3pm near the Pont St Louis and ends at the Grand Palais on the Champs-Elysees at approximately 5pm.
We also have some World War II photos and WWII videos so that you can get a feel for the intense emotions that may overcome you as you hear and see the actual places where history happened.
