Occupation and Liberation, A Self Guided Audio Tour in Paris

Exploring the tumultuous World War II history of Paris has never been easier. "Occupation and Liberation," a self-guided audio tour, takes travelers on an immersive journey through the city’s poignant past. Accessible via the VoiceMap app, this captivating experience transports users to the German occupation and the heroic efforts of the French Resistance. Along the way, visitors can discover significant landmarks like the Hôtel Lutetia and the Eiffel Tower, learning about the city’s resilience in the face of adversity. With flexible pacing and offline access, the tour offers a personalized exploration of Paris’s wartime narrative. Explore this captivating chapter of the city’s history and uncover the stories that shaped its liberation.

About Your Stay

• Self-guided audio tour in Paris explores the German occupation during WWII and the city’s eventual liberation by Allied forces.
• Tour covers significant historical sites related to the French Resistance and their role in aiding the liberation efforts.
• Accessible through the VoiceMap app, allowing for flexible pacing and offline access to the audio content.
• Tour highlights key events and figures during the occupation, including the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup and the increased deportation of French Jews.
• Provides an immersive experience with private exploration, allowing travelers to customize their tour in accordance with their interests.

About the Tour

This self-guided audio tour, titled "Occupation and Liberation, A Self Guided Audio Tour," takes visitors on a poignant journey through the streets of Paris during the tumultuous years of World War II.

The tour covers the German occupation and eventual liberation of the city, with the audio accessed through the VoiceMap app. It’s available in English and can be enjoyed at one’s own pace, with the ability to start, pause, or restart at any time.

The tour covers significant historical sites, though tickets and transportation aren’t included. While not wheelchair accessible, the self-guided format allows most travelers to participate comfortably.

Highlights of the Tour

The audio tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Paris’s most significant historical landmarks during the German occupation and eventual liberation.

It explores the iconic sites that bore witness to the city’s resistance and ultimate triumph, including the Hôtel Lutetia, which served as Gestapo headquarters, and the Public Elementary School Des Hospitalières-Saint-Gervais, a former gathering place for the Resistance.

Along the way, the tour provides vivid descriptions and first-hand accounts that immerse listeners in the experiences of those who lived through this pivotal chapter in Paris’s history.

With its seamless integration of audio, maps, and geodata, the tour offers an engaging and enlightening exploration of this remarkable period.

History of Occupation

During the dark years of World War II, Paris found itself under the harsh grip of German occupation. For over four years, the city endured the repressive Nazi regime, facing food shortages, curfews, and the constant threat of violence. The occupation left an indelible mark on the Parisian psyche, a legacy of resilience and resistance.

Year	Event
1940	German forces invade and occupy Paris.
1941	The Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup, where over 13,000 Jews are arrested and deported.
1942	The Resistance intensifies, launching attacks against the occupying forces.
1943	The deportation of French Jews to Nazi concentration camps accelerates.
1944	Paris is liberated by Allied forces, ending the German occupation.

This tour explores the stark realities of life under occupation, shedding light on the courageous acts of the French Resistance and the immense suffering endured by the city’s residents.

Resistance in Paris

Amidst the bleakness of Nazi occupation, a spark of resistance ignited within the Parisian populace. The French Resistance, comprising ordinary citizens, students, and covert operatives, bravely opposed the German forces.

They sabotaged infrastructure, gathered intelligence, and aided in the escape of downed Allied pilots. Iconic figures like Jean Moulin and Maurice Gamelin emerged as leaders, inspiring the masses to defy the occupation.

Though faced with the constant threat of arrest, torture, and execution, the Resistance refused to surrender, staging daring acts of defiance that undermined the German grip on the city.

This tour explores the hidden pockets of resistance that kept the flame of liberty alive during Paris’s darkest hours.

Moments of Liberation

As the Resistance’s daring exploits mounted, the Parisians eagerly awaited the city’s liberation.

After years of brutal Nazi occupation, the moment finally arrived in August 1944 as Allied forces closed in on Paris.

The tour explores the jubilant scenes as French and American troops paraded down the Champs-Élysées, welcomed by cheering crowds.

Listeners will discover the strategic role played by the Resistance in aiding the liberation, and how they confronted the last desperate attempts by the Nazis to maintain control.

The tour also highlights the poignant tributes to those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.

Through evocative narration and historical accounts, the audio journey captures the elation and relief of Paris’ long-awaited liberation.

Significant Landmarks

The self-guided audio tour takes listeners on a journey through Paris’ most significant landmarks associated with the city’s occupation and liberation.

Along the way, you’ll visit the Hôtel Lutetia, which served as the headquarters for the German military police during the occupation.

The tour then leads you to the Public Elementary School Des Hospitalières-Saint-Gervais, where Parisians gathered to celebrate the city’s liberation in 1944.

Other notable sites include the Palais Bourbon, home to the French National Assembly, and the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of French resilience.

These landmarks provide a poignant backdrop as you learn about the historical events that shaped Paris during this pivotal era.

Audio Tour Experience

The self-guided audio tour provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore Paris’ rich history at their own pace.

With lifetime access to the tour in English, visitors can download the VoiceMap app compatible with Android and iOS devices. This gives them the flexibility to start, pause, or restart the tour anytime, even offline.

The audio tracks, maps, and geodata are readily available, guiding participants through significant landmarks related to the German occupation and liberation of Paris.

The self-guided format enables private exploration, ensuring each group can tailor their experience to their interests and preferences.

Booking Information

Pricing for the self-guided audio tour starts from SEK 224.98 per person. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour is non-refundable – no refunds are available for cancellations.

However, a Lowest Price Guarantee is offered, ensuring you’ll get the best deal. The tour is a private format, meaning only your group will participate.

Accessibility-wise, the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, but it’s located near public transportation, making it accessible to most travelers.

Worth The Stay

"Occupation and Liberation" immerses travelers in Paris’s wartime history, offering a personalized audio tour that brings the city’s poignant past to life. With flexible pacing and offline access, this captivating experience allows visitors to discover significant landmarks, learn about the French Resistance, and witness the heroic moments of liberation. Whether you’re a history buff or seeking a unique perspective, this tour promises an engaging and enlightening journey through Paris’s wartime legacy.