World War two : The Occupation of Paris

Discover WWII Paris: An Authentic Journey Through the Occupation

If you’re looking to understand Paris’ wartime history beyond the usual tourist sights, this tour offers a compelling mix of history, architecture, and stories. For just under $81, you’ll spend roughly two hours and fifteen minutes walking through key locations, each with its own story to tell about life under German occupation. Led by knowledgeable guides, this experience is as much about learning as it is about seeing the city in a different light—one shadowed by war but also shining with resilience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the rich narrative woven through each stop, offering anecdotes about unknown heroes and infamous figures alike. Second, the focus on authentic sites, from historic buildings to former resistance hideouts, gives you a tangible connection to Paris’s wartime days. It’s perfect for history buffs and curious travelers wanting a meaningful, thought-provoking look at the city’s dark chapter.

A possible consideration? The tour covers a lot of ground in just over two hours, which means some stops are brief. If you prefer in-depth exploration of one site, this might feel a little rushed. Also, the tour is limited to a small group of 15, which ensures personalized attention but might fill up quickly if you’re planning well in advance.

This experience suits travelers who love stories of resistance and occupation, are interested in architectural history, or simply want a broader understanding of Paris during WWII. If you appreciate guides with expertise and enthusiasm, you’ll likely find this tour both satisfying and memorable.

Key Points

• Authentic sites tied to WWII history in Paris.
• Expert guides sharing stories, anecdotes, and personal insights.
• Accessible for most travelers, with a small group size ensuring a personal experience.
• Focus on resistance, occupation, and cultural life during WWII.
• Includes historic landmarks like Place Vendôme, Rue de Castiglione, and Place de la Concorde.
• Provides visual context with photos and detailed descriptions of each location.

An In-Depth Look at the WWII: The Occupation of Paris Tour

This guided tour offers a well-rounded view of Paris during WWII, blending site visits with storytelling that brings history alive. Over roughly two hours and fifteen minutes, you’ll visit about eleven locations, each offering a different window into the dark days of occupation, resistance efforts, and collaboration.

Starting Point: Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards

Your journey begins at 38 Bd des Italiens, close to the bustling Grands Boulevards area. Here, your guide recounts how Paris fell and was occupied—a story filled with tension, drama, and resilience. Your guide will share anecdotes from the start of WWII, setting the tone for the entire walk. Expect to hear about the impact on daily life, with some stories that might surprise you, revealing both the hardships and moments of quiet defiance.

What we love: This opening stop immediately immerses you in the human story behind the monuments. The guide’s storytelling makes history feel personal, rather than just dates and facts.

Folies Bergère and the Artistic Life During Occupation

Next, you walk to the Folies Bergère, a legendary venue that remained part of Paris’s vibrant entertainment scene even during the war. Your guide shares stories about movie stars, music-halls, and cinemas, painting a picture of the city’s cultural resilience amid darkness.

Why it’s interesting: It’s easy to forget that Paris’s artistic heart continued beating, sometimes under dangerous circumstances. Hearing about artists and performers surviving and creating during occupation adds a layered dimension to your understanding.

Passage Verdeau and the Atmosphere of Occupied Paris

The next stop, Passage Verdeau, retains the atmosphere and decor reminiscent of the wartime period. Standing here, you can imagine the streets and shops as they were during the occupation. The tour also points out the building that hosted a German requisitioned bordello, highlighting the darker aspects of the period.

Authentic ambiance: The preserved architecture helps contextualize the stories, making history feel more immediate.

Hôtel Drouot and Art Theft

At Hôtel Drouot, France’s famous auction house, your guide explains how art and valuables were sold during the occupation. The discussion includes Jewish property theft and the story of a German art dealer working for the Reich. This part of the tour underscores the cultural plunder that accompanied military occupation.

Review snippet: One traveler noted, “An incredible story of art theft and the story of a German dealer working for the Reich,” which showcases how this stop offers more than just sightseeing—it’s about understanding the deeper, often darker, stories of wartime Paris.

The Town Hall of the 9th District and Resistance

Your walk takes you to Mairie du 9 arrondissement, where your guide discusses local resistance efforts, passive resistance, and denunciations. The resistance movement played a vital role in Paris’s history, and this is a chance to hear about ordinary Parisians who fought back.

Insightful detail: The tour emphasizes local stories, making history relatable and emphasizing the collective effort of Parisians—sometimes risking everything—to oppose occupation.

The Role of Banks and Economy

At BNP Paribas | Maison Dorée, the focus shifts to financial institutions during the war. Your guide explains how banks operated under occupation, including the armistice convention and the economic situation that ensued. This adds a layer of understanding about how the occupation affected everyday commerce.

German Requisitioned Buildings and Propaganda

Stops at Pathe Opera Premier and the BRED-Banque Populaire explore buildings used by German soldiers, with stories about requisitioning theaters and hotels. One stop highlights the Nazi propaganda exhibition “The Jews and France,” which aimed to spread antisemitic ideas.

Travel tip: These sites help you understand how the occupation permeated cultural life, often blending collaboration and resistance.

Place Vendôme and the Collapse of Occupation

At Place Vendôme, the tour discusses Jewelry stores, the German-occupied law ministry, and the resistance network nearby. The Ritz Hotel, famous for celebrities, spies, and military figures, was a hub of collaboration and clandestine activity.

Quote from reviews: As one traveler said, “The Ritz was a key place of the occupation, with many spies and celebrities,” revealing a tangled web of stories behind these elegant facades.

Rue de Castiglione and Liberation

The final stops include Rue de Castiglione, where German headquarters were located, and Place de la Concorde, which bears the scars of battle and resistance fighting. The memorial plaques and photos help visualize the chaos and heroism of liberation.

Highlight: The nearby museum stored stolen art, connecting the dots between cultural theft and the fight to regain Paris’s soul.

Practical Details and Experience

This tour is designed for small groups (max 15), ensuring you get personal attention and detailed storytelling. Starting at 10:30am, it’s a manageable morning activity, perfect for fitting into your Paris itinerary. The mobile tickets and confirm-on-booking policy make planning straightforward.

While some stops are brief—about 5 to 15 minutes—this format keeps the pace lively and packed with information. It’s suitable for most travelers; the walking is moderate, and the story-heavy stops provide a break from physical exertion.

Value and Pricing

At about $81 per person, the tour offers a well-curated experience with expert guides sharing insightful anecdotes. Several reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, which elevates the experience beyond just walking around.

Why This Tour Works

Many travelers, like Natasha, felt that the tour made them “really feel the intensity of the terrible moments” faced by Parisians. Others appreciated learning about both well-known and obscure stories, which adds depth to their understanding of Paris’s WWII history.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in history, especially stories of resistance and occupation, you’ll find this tour fascinating. It’s ideal for those who want an authentic, story-driven experience rather than just sightseeing. History buffs will love the detailed anecdotes, while those curious about Paris’s wartime culture will find it deeply enriching.

Travelers who appreciate small-group tours and knowledgeable guides making history engaging will feel right at home. It’s a great way to see parts of Paris that are often overlooked and to gain a nuanced perspective on the city’s WWII years.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering about eleven sites throughout Paris.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 38 Bd des Italiens and ends at Place de la Concorde, right next to the Concorde metro station.

What is the price?
The cost is $80.98 per person, which provides access to a guided experience filled with stories and insight.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for many.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to bring my own ticket?
Tickets are mobile, so you’ll receive confirmation after booking and can show your ticket on your device.

What kind of stories will I hear?
Expect stories about resistance, collaboration, cultural life, art theft, and key figures—both well known and obscure.

To sum it up, this WWII: The Occupation of Paris tour offers a thoughtful, richly detailed exploration of a tumultuous period in the city’s history. With passionate guides, authentic sites, and compelling stories, it’s perfect for those who want a deeper understanding of Paris beyond the postcards. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about the city’s resilience, this tour provides a balanced, engaging, and memorable experience that you’ll carry with you long after the last stop.