Paris Occupation History WWII 2 Hour Walking Tour
Description
Step into the streets of Paris and understand what it truly meant to live here during the occupation. This World War II walking tour gives you a clear mental map of occupied Paris, following a coherent route through the city center so you never feel lost—historically or geographically. As you walk, you won’t just hear stories. You will stand exactly where events unfolded and learn how these places functioned between 1940 and 1944. At each stop, you’ll discover how Parisians lived day to day, how German power was organized in the city, and how political control shaped everyday life. The focus is on precise locations and concrete facts, helping you understand why these places mattered—and still matter. To help you visualize the past, the tour uses rare archival photographs, many unfamiliar even to history enthusiasts. You will directly compare wartime images with today’s streets, giving you a much clearer and more lasting understanding of what Paris looked like under occupation.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The arrival of the Germans in the context of the outbreak of the Second World War and the first days of the occupation in Paris
During the occupation, Le Meurice served as the German strategic military headquarters for Greater Paris. Rue de Rivoli was one of the preferred locations for parades. At this stop, we discuss the year 1940 and how the Germans systematically looted France.
At the Ritz, all of Parisian high society gathered. Here, we discover how Marshal Göring looted antique furniture and took all the hotel’s hot water. Meanwhile, Frank Meier, the secretly Jewish bartender, unknowingly served as a dead drop. We also discuss pro-Nazi plots involving Gabrielle Chanel and members of the British royal family.
Place de l’Opéra was the jewel that Hitler was delighted to visit first during his only trip to Paris. While operas were staged exclusively in German, the National Front of Musicians was organizing to take part in the Resistance.
At the Berlitz Palace, in September 1941, the infamous exhibition "The Jew and France" opened. Its objective? To prepare and manipulate public opinion into accepting the deportation of tens of thousands using Nazi "science." It also discusses the terrible laws against this community.
Louvois Square is a beautiful and peaceful place of reflection in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement, paying tribute to the many Jews deported during the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup and recalling the role of the French government, which deliberately chose to include children. Thanks to a couple of women in the Resistance, hundreds were hidden and saved. The role of women in the Resistance contributed significantly to granting them the right to vote in 1944.
At the old town hall of the 2nd arrondissement, they tell the story of an ordinary resistance: Jacques Bidault, the mayor, is arrested for providing ration tickets to young people who are hiding to avoid the STO, the last terrible idea of the 3rd Reich to try to stem the advance of the allies in Italy and the Russians on the Eastern Front.
We are back on Rue de Rivoli, where liberation has finally taken place. Seeing their occupiers overwhelmed by the Normandy landings, Parisians go on strike. The police retake the police headquarters, then the city hall. The entire city is a battlefield with barricades, and a merciless struggle ensues to reach the German high command, which is entrenched on Rue de Rivoli.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(45)
This is an excellent tour for those interested in WWII, the French Resistance and the liberation of Paris. Margaux is a delightful tour guide and history lover, and provided us with lots of interesting facts. The two hour walking tour went very fast. I highly recommend this tour.
A very interesting tour. Margaux was very knowledgeable and delightful. She was very engaging and patient with the entire group. Enjoyed going to all the actual sites where history of the German occupation in France and the horrific plight of the Jewish people and the French who left Paris and those who remained having to have food rationed to 1000 calories per day …affecting childhood development of the population. I learned a lot of new information that I had never heard before.
Margaux was a delightful guide. The tour included many points of interest. It was also enhanced by photos shown on an iPad.
An absolutely incredible experience! Margaux takes us on a true adventure through Paris. Thanks to period images, fascinating anecdotes, and numerous explanations about the buildings and historical sites, you really feel like you are traveling back in time. I love this period of history, and this visit far exceeded my expectations. Margaux has an impressive knowledge of the subject, but what really makes the difference is her passion. She is engaging, authentic, and you can feel it in each of her explanations. I recommend this experience 100% to anyone who wants to discover Paris from a captivating historical perspective. Thank you again, Margaux, for this unforgettable moment!
We are French and followed Margaux's tour in English. It was a surprise for our dad, who is passionate about World War II; he loved it, and so did we. Kudos to Margaux for captivating us with her explanations and showing us so many historical photos on her tablet. I highly recommend this activity!
Merci beaucoup pour votre message, il me touche vraiment. Je suis ravie que la surprise ait autant plu à votre Papa — vous avez tous montré beaucoup d’intérêt et d’attention, et c’était très agréable à partager avec vous. Merci aussi pour votre recommandation, et pour votre présence tout au long de la visite.
Super informative and history heavy for people who want to learn more about French history. Margaux was super friendly and informative!
Wonderful guide, very knowledgeable!
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it. You were a pleasure to have on the tour, and I’m very glad you enjoyed the experience. Your recommendation truly means a lot, thank you again.
Highly recommend this tour if you’re interested in World War II France, specifically, Paris, including Nazi takeover, what it was like living in Paris during that time and the Resistance. Our tour guide Marguax was very knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed seeing the old photos as we stood in front of the same buildings today as she explained the history and importance of them. I appreciate that she kept us well informed of the meeting time and place.
I had a fantastic time discovering the history of Paris during World War II. I learned a lot and heard some very interesting anecdotes. The guide is passionate about history and shares her knowledge generously and warmly. Go if you're looking for a unique tour!
Thank you so much for your kind words, it really means a lot to me. You were so engaged and curious throughout, and I truly enjoyed sharing these stories with you. I’m very glad you discovered new perspectives and moments along the way — having you on the tour was a real pleasure.
I enjoyed the tour. The guide had a wide range of knowledge interlaced with photos and places related to Germany occupation of Paris.
