Paris World War 2 the True Story of the Occupation 1940-1944 Small Group Tour

Uncover the gripping tale of Paris under Nazi occupation during World War II on this small-group tour. Led by expert guides, you will explore the city’s poignant history, from the requisitioned hotels to the systematic looting of Jewish art collections. Explore the resilience and bravery of Parisians as they navigated the realities of totalitarian rule. With a flexible itinerary tailored to guests’ interests, this tour promises a comprehensive and insightful understanding of a pivotal period that forever shaped the City of Light.

Key Points

• This small-group tour explores Nazi-occupied Paris during WWII, visiting sites like requisitioned hotels and locations where Jewish art was looted.
• The tour is led by an expert guide who provides first-hand insights into the impact of the occupation on the city and its landmarks.
• Participants can discover the history of the Resistance movement, including the story of the Resistance headquarters that was targeted and destroyed by the Nazis.
• The tour includes a visit to the Marais district, where guests can learn about the vibrant Jewish heritage and the persecution faced by the community during the occupation.
• The tour is available as a semi-private or fully private experience, offering flexibility in group size and ending destination.

Tour Details

This Paris World War 2 tour offers a deep dive into the true story of the Nazi occupation of the city from 1940 to 1944.

It’s a small-group experience, with a maximum of 8-10 participants, available as either a semi-private or fully private tour.

The tour is led by an expert guide who’s lived in Paris long-term and can provide first-hand insights into this pivotal period in the city’s history.

The tour highlights Nazi-occupied sites and explores the history of Paris during the war years.

Visitors will learn about the requisitioned hotels, looted Jewish art, and the impact on landmarks like the Tuileries Garden and Rue de Rivoli.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the Paris World War 2 tour is the Palais Royal Metro station, with participants exiting at exit 5.

The tour concludes at a different location from the starting point, though the specific end location isn’t specified. This makes it convenient for travelers to get to the meeting point and provides flexibility in the tour’s ending destination.

The meeting arrangements allow the guide to take the group to key sites related to the Nazi occupation of Paris during World War 2, ensuring participants get a comprehensive experience.

With clear directions and a straightforward pickup and drop-off, the tour logistics are designed to provide a seamless experience for all travelers.

Itinerary Highlights

According to the tour details, visitors experience a guided exploration of Nazi occupation sites and the history of Paris during World War 2. They’ll visit iconic Parisian landmarks like the Jardins des Tuileries, Rue de Rivoli, and Rue de Castiglione to learn about the city’s tumultuous wartime past.

The tour also takes guests through the Jewish Quarter in the Marais district and may include a visit to the Holocaust memorial, providing a well-rounded perspective on this critical period.

Highlights of the tour include:

1. Discovering Nazi-requisitioned hotels and the looting of Jewish art
2. Visiting cafes, cinemas, and the only Paris building destroyed in the war
3. Learning about Coco Chanel’s controversial stay during the occupation
4. Exploring the flexibility of the itinerary to accommodate guests’ interests.

Nazi-Requisitioned Locations

During the Nazi occupation, the German forces commandeered numerous prominent hotels and buildings throughout Paris to house military personnel and administrators.

Among the most notable were the Hôtel Meurice, which served as the headquarters for the German military governor, and the Hôtel Crillon, which accommodated high-ranking Nazi officers.

These seizures of prime Parisian real estate were part of the Nazis’ broader efforts to assert control over the city and its resources.

The former Parisian luxury hotels were transformed into a network of occupied spaces, each serving a specific purpose in the German war machine’s operations.

This systematic takeover of the city’s infrastructure underscored the Nazis’ determination to subjugate Paris and its people under their totalitarian rule.

Looted Jewish Art

Nazis systematically plundered art and cultural treasures from Jewish collectors and museums across occupied Europe, amassing an extensive collection in Paris during World War II.

The tour highlights some of the most notorious cases of looted Jewish art, including:

1. Paintings by renowned artists like Pissarro, Monet, and Renoir seized from the Rothschild family’s collection.
2. Masterpieces from the Jeu de Paume museum, where the Nazis stored and catalogued their stolen goods.
3. Furniture, tapestries, and other artifacts looted from the homes and businesses of wealthy Jewish Parisians.

The story of Rose Valland, a French museum employee who secretly documented the Nazis’ art theft operations.

Visitors gain insight into this dark chapter of Paris’ history and the ongoing efforts to repatriate stolen Jewish art.

Destroyed Paris Building

There stands a single Parisian building that was destroyed during the Nazi occupation, a somber reminder of the devastation wrought upon the city.

This building, located on Rue Caulaincourt, was the headquarters of the Resistance, a hub of anti-occupation activity.

In 1944, as the Allies approached, the Nazis targeted this building, leveling it in a vicious bombing raid.

The rubble served as a grim testament to the brutality of the occupation and the bravery of those who fought against it.

Today, a simple plaque marks the site, honoring the sacrifices made by the Resistance fighters who operated from this now-vanished structure.

Their legacy lives on, a powerful symbol of Paris’ indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.

Marais District Tour

The tour of the Marais district offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant Jewish heritage that has long defined this neighborhood, exploring the sites and stories that bear witness to its resilience during the darkest days of the occupation.

Visitors will stroll through the cobblestone streets, admiring the distinctive architecture and learning about the community’s rich history.

The itinerary may include:

1. Visiting the Holocaust memorial, a solemn tribute to the victims of Nazi atrocities.
2. Exploring the iconic Pletzl, the historic heart of Parisian Jewish life.
3. Discovering hidden synagogues and learning about the persecution faced by the community.
4. Discussing the efforts of Parisians who risked their lives to shelter and protect their Jewish neighbors.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can book the Paris World War 2 tour through the tour operator’s website, subject to availability.

Tour operators require a minimum number of 3 participants for weekdays and 4 for weekends to proceed with the tour. In the event the minimum isn’t met, the guide reserves the right to cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance, at which point travelers will receive a full refund.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours. Cancellations by the guide, even within 24 hours, will also result in a full refund for the traveler.

The tour is flexible, with the option to visit the Holocaust memorial as part of the itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour allows participants to capture photos throughout the experience, though some sites may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the guide for any specific photo guidelines.

Will the Guide Speak English or Another Language?

The tour guide will speak English. The tour details specify that it is "Fully guided tour by an expert guide who has lived in Paris long-term," indicating the guide will provide the tour in English.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, as it is wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, the content may be sensitive, covering the Nazi occupation and the Holocaust, so parental discretion is advised.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible Throughout?

The tour is wheelchair accessible throughout. The tour provider specifies the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, indicating the entire itinerary can accommodate those with mobility needs.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs or Visit Shops During the Tour?

Though the tour focuses on historical sites, there may be opportunities to visit local shops and purchase souvenirs along the way. The guide can provide recommendations for the best places to find WW2-themed items.

Recap

This immersive Paris tour offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s harrowing Nazi occupation from 1940-1944.

Guests will uncover the resilience of Parisians, the systematic subjugation under totalitarian rule, and the lasting impact of this pivotal period.

Led by expert guides, the flexible itinerary provides a comprehensive understanding of this complex and poignant chapter in Paris’ history.