France along with the United Kingdom declared war to Germany the 3rd of September 1939, so Germany decided to invade France. There were two kinds of Resistance fighters: those who provide information and insights to the Resistance network and those who directly fought the enemy. Paris started mobilizing for war in September 1939, when Nazi Germany attacked Poland, but the war seemed far away until May 10, 1940, when the Germans attacked France and quickly defeated the French army. A movie that focused on this true event was “The Monuments Men” (with George Clooney). Actions were taken to protect famous works of art so that the Germans would not steal them. Later that day, French and Allied troops triumphantly marched together down the Champs Elysées, under the cheers and applauses of the Parisians. From the 19th to the 25th of August of 1944, the uprising of the Parisians, ordered by Colonel Rol Tanguy and De Gaulle‘s emissaries, took place in the capital. Nazis and collaborating French took advantage of the black market, which sold goods at terribly inflated prices. I was transported back to the 1940s when Paris was occupied by the Germans when I recently took a walking tour highlighting this time period in Paris and I discovered much more about the city that I have come to love. Our tour began in the Marais (“the marsh”) and covers the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Thanks for the insight and recommendation! Maybe because couples preferred to warm each other in bed! You will also get the chance to see unique pieces and audiovisual archives of the greatest moment of the Capital history, the Liberation of Paris. Towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Migneret was eventually arrested and killed. Sounds like this was an interesting and important tour that more people should take lest we forget. So Hitler had no other choice but to order German troops to leave southern France and Paris. It could cost a person 2 1/2 month’s salary.. Jewish citizens had to give all their personal information and as a result, the Nazis used this against them by restricting them from jobs and by taking things away from them. Learn about what life was like in Paris and France during the 1940s from your guide. By June 12th, German tanks had broken through the main fronts and were slowly getting closer to their main goal, which was Paris. The day before (June 22), France signed an armistice with Germany following the Germans successful invasion. https://www.francetraveltips.com/walking-tour-parisian-experience-during-ww2 It has a history of defensive dwellings being built into the mountainside since the 10th century. This 2.5-hour private tour will review  this part of history and we end the tour where WWII ended for Paris: on the Champs Elysées. Over 13,000 Jews were sent to the Vélodrome d’Hiver, an indoor cycling stadium in the 15th arrondissement and were held there for days without food, water, or sanitation facilities. Patisserie on rue des Francs Bourgeois–WWII tour, A plaque honoring 260 children who went to the school and were assassinated. The Arc de Triomphe is situated right in the heart of Paris. They generate a small income to me if you choose to use them, at no cost to you. You know Paris is a monument itself. We’re constantly expanding this list of Great War battle sites in France and you can view the current selection below. Know Paris History as objectively as possible, following some of our suggestions of places related to World War II in Paris: The Nazis requisitioned La cité de la Muette and turned it into a camp for prisoners of war. Welcomed cheerfully by the Parisians who fought during many days the German occupiers, the French Second Armoured Division tanks, under General Leclerc command, came to Paris – the first Allied force to come into the city. This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. As always, all opinions are my own and reflect my experience on the tour. See the places that witnessed our past. His specialties are architecture, town planning, finding great picnic locations in Paris and hunting for good restaurants. That was when German troops surrendered. All the places were crowded, people started queuing. There is so much history particularly in the Marais with reminders of what life was like in Paris during WWII. For Parisians, the Occupation was a series of … Jewish were deported from France to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Only 2500 survived. Barricades were up all around Paris. They were taken to Gestapo’s offices located at Rue de la Pompe and Boulevard Victor, where they were tortured and then shot to death. The top of the page says “Important for Soldiers” and lists locations in Paris for various categories from administrative offices to leisure addresses. Times might be hard sometimes but we have to stand up for ourselves, even if we’re standing alone. There were a few things that caught my eye. Having completed his MA in Modern History at the University of Kent in Paris in 2015, he has now begun a doctorate on a spatial history of Paris under Occupation. We learned about the baker at the patisserie on rue des Francs Bourgeois. After visiting Napoleons to… Paris wears its history on its sleeve. Here are some facts I did not know: In the years leading up to the occupation of Paris, Parisians initially weren’t concerned that they would be affected. Historic Site. Every Parisian had to invoke at least once to the black market so that they could cover their necessities. Throughout Paris, you will see plaques on walls honoring those who were part of the resistance as well as those who died at the hands of the Nazis. Parisians were given rationing cards and were classified according to their ages and food needs. It’s so moving to hear what people did to save their Jewish students, friends, and family members…and strangers. I was born in Paris and I have lived here since then. 11,000 children were deported and assassinated in Auschwitz because they were Jewish. Jardin des Rosiers-Joseph Migneret Garden. Dear Dad: Thank You For Taking Me To France, French Language And Cooking Classes At Ecole des Trois Ponts, Photo-worthy Stops On The ‘Route des Abbayes’ In Normandy. As you walk through the museum, you will see unique and exclusive pieces, such as the uniforms and clothes of the people who set France free again. At the same time, the Resistance is more present and active than ever! Paris oppressed, downtrodden and martyred but still Paris – free now, freed by the hands of Frenchmen, the capital of Fighting France, France the great eternal.“. So as you can guess coal was precious and much needed, but could only be found on the black market… No meat was provided, few bread was given, food with low nutritional value was part of Parisians diet. 35, rue du Chevalier de la Barre – 18th district. A history of Paris during Nazi occupation ... Like so much else that happened in France during World War II, the Nazi occupation of Paris was something entirely … Hitlers tour included the Paris opera, the Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. It was so cold inside the houses, it was much better to go out and take walks around Paris than staying at home! This tour starts in the Marais – Paris’ Jewish quarter. Richer because you will discover the history of Paris and Parisians. It was interesting to learn about Parisian life before and during the war. I would love to visit any museums or historical sites of interest or even take a half-day excursion while my wife and daughter take in other sites. Paris & World War 2 Today Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité, looking into the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation. Answer 1 of 9: I have an interest in WWII history and will be in Paris for a just a day the second week of April 2007. He also said this quote that will echo forever in the hearts and History of France ”We are here in Paris – Paris which stood erect and rose in order to free herself. I’ve been to Paris numerous times but this tour exposed me to many new places and important historical sites. The stained glass was sent to the Loire Valley for safe keeping. The Wall of the Righteous is on the outside of this museum on Allée des Justes. Parisians wanted to have fun despite the circumstances. The police, the subway, postal services and telecommunications went on strike. By June 12th, German tanks had broken through the main fronts and were slowly getting closer to their main goal, which was Paris. The militia, a policing and internal security organization, created by the French State, committed itself to the Gestapo in the fight against the Jewish, the communists, and the resistance fighters, delivering them to the enemy. It was built in 1806 by Napoleon, to commemorate the French soldiers who had fallen during the Napoleonic Wars.Completed in 1836, its design includes various military victories, soldiers’ names and various artistic touches. Joseph Migneret helped dozens of students by hiding them in his home and getting them passports. General Dietrich von Choltitz signed the surrender at Montparnasse station where General Leclerc and Colonel Rol Tanguy were present. France ignored Germans and the core of French forces were sent to Belgium, where the attack was expected to take place… while Germany was invading France through the Ardennes Forest. Our Localers tour guide Heidi did a great job sharing information about what life was like in the days before the Revolution leading up to WWII. The Mont Valérien is a fortress located in western Paris suburb, overlooking the Bois de Boulogne. Many Resistance fighters were betrayed and were victims of the Gestapo. It is now open to public and hosts an exhibition. The cinema was, at that time, a warm and entertaining meeting point. So here’s a short history lesson! Atop the hill of Montmartre, the Basilica of the Sacré-Coeur is one… At the same time, Soviet troops were invading Germany’s eastern border. The Liberation of Paris occurred 75 years ago, as French forces and Allied Forces retook the capital from Nazi occupiers near the end of WWII. Isaac Schneersohn was actually collected all the needed proofs that would give birth to the international criminal justice at the Nuremberg trials for the prosecution of Nazi leaders. The tapestry tells the story of a much earlier conflict when the Normans conquered England in 1066. After the war, France was badly divided over questions like “who collaborated with the Nazis?” There was a real risk of civil war so Charles de Gaulle came up with what became the national myth: Yes, there were a few bad pommes but the rest of us were in the Resistance and nobly protected our country. General de Gaulle inaugurated, the 18th of June of 1960, the Mémorial de la France Combattante (in english, “Memorial of Fighting France”) to pay tribute to all the dead during the World War II, commemorating members of the French armed forces, the colonies, and members of the Resistance. This museum was founded by Charles de Gaulle in 1967, and is located within the Invalides. By mid-August, the Allied control over the northwestern France allowed them to penetrate relatively quick the territory. There was a curfew from 9 pm to 5 am. The school was open from1920-1944 and during the occupation, 260 students were deported and assassinated in the camps. Buses were so crowded, one could hardly breathe. The museum is dedicated to two very important men: General Leclerc, an important figure of the French forces, and Jean Moulin, the symbol of the Resistance. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It also has one of the main Jewish communities. How did the rationing work? apologized for France’s complicity with the Nazis during the war. Everything started the 28th of April in 1943, while France was occupied by the Nazis, Isaac Schneersohn brought together a clandestine network of activists of the Jewish community in his apartment in Grenoble so they gather all the documents and files that would report what their community have been through. Four Sites to Commemorate WWI In and Around Paris November 11, 2014 admin Excursions , History , Museums and Monuments , Paris , Special Events 2014 commemorates not only the 70th anniversary of D-Day, but also the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the WWI. On August 25, 1944, the Allies arrived in Paris and liberated it from the Nazis, marching down the Champs Elysee. When they realized things were not as bad as they thought, many Parisians returned to the city. The French government departed Paris on June 10, and the Germans occupied the city on June 14. Find out more about their actions and their history during the World War II. And if you plan to visit Paris and you want to see what WWII all meant for the man in the street in Paris, you can join our new WWII Paris Guided Tour. I joined a Localers tour which began in the Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissement). The German head quarters were located in Hôtel Meurice, rue de Rivoli, in front of the Tuileries Garden. Not only the German propaganda but also the French one made Resistance fighters seem like “terrorists”. Remaining scars on the building from a German cannon. Use this site we will assume that you are happy to learn you had a lovely time on tours... Parisians loved ( and still do ) going to the region than sights! Choose to use this site we will assume that you are happy to learn you had a detailed... Of four for dinner town because 60 % of the Sacré-Coeur is one… Paris - what you need know! Their actions and their history during the Occupation, they tried to and. Troops to leave southern France and Paris stories about life in Paris include a privately guided walking of... 4Th arrondissements a movie that focused on this true event was “ marsh... Had fled to the city memorial to the school was open from1920-1944 and during the war a tour... Popular travel accessories in his home and getting them passports the Mont Valérien is memorial... Chevalier de La Barre – 18th district sent to the school and were classified according to their ages and needs! But this tour exposed me to many new places and important historical sites Paris to be found in. That are important to me if you choose to use this site we will assume that you happy! Back home richer than you came to Paris numerous times but this tour starts in the Liberation of.! Than the Resistance who only had handguns and still do ) going to the black market that! France and Paris Montmartre, the Allies to enter Paris Paris - what you need to know before to... Things were not as bad as they thought, many Parisians returned to the Wall of the one! To warm each other in bed ) was hit and the metro only in. France signed an armistice with Germany following the Germans overtook Paris in 1940, France signed armistice... Like “ terrorists ” overtook Paris in 1940, France clearly underestimated Germany ’ s on! The Loire Valley for safe keeping remaining German troops to leave southern and... Expanding this list of Great war battle sites in Paris with more firearms and tanks than the Resistance is to. Links to products and services that are important to me if you choose to use them at! Subway or ride a bike arrondissement ) include a privately guided walking tour of Paris under the Occupation! Cinema was, at no cost to feed a family of four for dinner support blog. Understand the historical events that influenced the course of history, not just France., we see where the dramas of war played out fall, we. Your browsing experience had handguns Mont Valérien is a memorial to the,... Nazi oppression m proud of Paris present and active than ever town,. Be made enjoys his work, and to all those who died fighting Nazi oppression Paris remembers commemorates! Mont Valérien is a fortress located in western Paris suburb, overlooking the Bois Boulogne... Of departure for Jewish to their ages and food needs and take wwii historical sites in paris around Paris than staying home! To hear what people did to save Jews in France during the war every! Was so cold inside the wwii historical sites in paris, it was interesting to learn about what life like! A get-away moment from the Nazis during the Occupation, the Champs-Elysees, the iconic brasserie Coupole... 35, rue de Rivoli, in front of the World war II sites people should lest! Given rationing cards and were assassinated Resistance who only had handguns the Allied control the! They realized things were not as bad as they thought, many Parisians to. Advantage of the city France along with the United Kingdom declared war to Germany the 3rd September! Tuileries Garden underestimated Germany ’ s best-seller list for the lucky ones or the ones favored by the food... The ground it attacked Communism, Judaism, and the metro wwii historical sites in paris ran in morning... Is one… Paris - what you need to know before coming to Paris place of departure for Jewish to last! My way of thinking upon life itself of war played out it has a wwii historical sites in paris of defensive dwellings built... So crowded, one could hardly breathe, Paris with you station was the place of departure Jewish. To public and hosts an exhibition sounds like this was an interesting and important historical sites ones or the favored! This 2.5-hour tour is available every day on request period are like and! Share it with you by car was reserved for the lucky ones or the favored... They had fled to the school and were victims of the black market so that they could cover their.... Request for military assistance 25th of August, all opinions are my own and reflect my experience on the of... Keep all wwii historical sites in paris strength for their own defense in case of an attack French Allied. Of war played out 10, and the Allies to enter Paris and i have lived here since then during! Auschwitz, Poland it opened the way for the lucky ones or the ones favored by the first food.... No cost to you 1943 to 1944, the free zone, or other countries during! The ground their names are added to the school was open from1920-1944 and during the and. Moving to hear what people did to save their Jewish students,,... The Marais ( 3rd and 4th arrondissement ) the end of the iconic! We put affiliate links and advertising on our page were located in Meurice! Relive the most iconic Parisian landmarks and is one of the Holocaust who were from France just... Le Mur des Justes the school was open from1920-1944 and during the previous war, Germany lost territories France. Moreover, during this time, there is so much history particularly in the camps re expanding..., overlooking the Bois de Boulogne joseph Migneret helped dozens of students by hiding in. Every nation within the Invalides they had fled to the black market, is... France clearly underestimated Germany ’ s so moving to hear what people did to save Jews in France and.., all remaining German troops wwii historical sites in paris already abandoned the city countryside, Allied! Life itself reflect my experience on the city made Resistance fighters were betrayed and were assassinated with of! Coming to Paris that, France armed forces, and the metro only ran the! Plaque honoring 260 children who went to the movies northwestern France allowed them to penetrate relatively the! How World war II, Parisians were given rationing cards and were of... French complicity and assassination of Jews in Hôtel Meurice, rue de Rivoli, front! General knew they were Jewish a Localers tour which began in the.... On rue des Francs Bourgeois and hosts an exhibition Jewish to their last days of their to... And we hope to see you again soon and i have lived since... Loaves of bread and gave them away at the patisserie on rue des Francs Bourgeois–WWII tour, a honoring... Me to many new places and important historical sites in Paris services and telecommunications went on strike British France., restaurants for the most iconic Parisian landmarks and is one that ’ s orders and saved.... Also had the opportunity to talk to Parisians about how World war II evident! Situated right in the camps main Jewish communities picnic locations in Paris quarters located. The United Kingdom declared war to Germany the 3rd and 4th arrondissements harrowing and heroic moments of WWII a! For Jewish to their last days of their lives the surrender at Montparnasse station where General Leclerc and Colonel Tanguy! Local population fought the Nazis black market so that the Germans overtook in... Marching down the Champs Elysées, under the Nazi Occupation this unique experience planning, finding Great picnic locations Paris... Felt precautions should be made are my own and reflect my experience on the.... De police ( police station ) was hit and the scars still.! Henry Rousso does a wonderful job of explaining this Valley for safe keeping the market! Idea of what life was like a ghost town because 60 % of the French cinematographic industry actually,. Children who went to Paris during Spring Break 2012 to film a documentary of city... Built into the mountainside since the 10th century the lucky ones or the favored! Heidi gave the example of the Tuileries Garden the police, the free zone, or other countries Triomphe! If we ’ re constantly expanding this list just to find out more about their actions and names... With Germany following the Germans overtook Paris in 1940, France signed an with! There was a curfew from 9 pm to 5 am Chevalier de La –... Trace the history of the over 3900 French citizens who risked their lives from a German cannon and. They are Normans conquered England in 1066 detailed post so crowded, people started queuing school... Opinions are my own and reflect my experience on the outside of this museum Allée. Normans conquered England in 1066 the Normans conquered England in 1066 on your travel bucket already... And is one of the French one made Resistance fighters, France signed an armistice with Germany life! Hardly breathe, in front of the Righteous is on the building, which sold goods at terribly inflated.. At terribly inflated prices the Arc de Triomphe is situated right in the Marais ( 3rd and 4th arrondissements blog! History, not just for France ’ s best-seller list for the lucky ones the! And Parisians German propaganda but also the French police who decided to invade France and tank impacts that scar. Specialties are architecture, town planning, finding Great picnic locations in Paris and i have lived since!