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

It’s no secret that Paris endured a tumultuous period during World War II, with the German occupation leaving an indelible mark on the city’s history. This small group tour promises to uncover the untold stories behind that pivotal era, guiding visitors through the very streets and landmarks that bore witness to the trials and tribulations of wartime Paris. From the requisition of hotels to the looting of Jewish-owned art, the tour delves deep into the social and political upheaval that defined this chapter of Parisian history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a more intimate understanding of the city’s past, this immersive experience offers a chance to explore the true face of Paris under occupation.

Key Points

• This small group tour offers an intimate and personalized exploration of Paris under German occupation during World War II, with a maximum of 10 travelers.
• The tour begins at the Palais Royal Metro station, where the guide provides an overview of the German occupation and its impact on the city.
• Participants will visit key sites, learn about the Nazis’ presence, and gain a deeper understanding of the social and political upheaval during this period.
• The tour examines the requisitioning of hotels and other buildings by the Germans, the trials of resistance fighters, and the controversial role of figures like Coco Chanel.
• Visitors will also explore the rise of anti-Semitism in the Marais district, the transformation of cafes and cinemas under German rule, and the systematic looting of Jewish-owned art.

Tour Details

This small group tour offers a maximum of 10 travelers the opportunity to explore the fascinating history of Paris under German occupation during World War II.

For a more personalized experience, fully private tours with a customized itinerary and flexible start times are available. However, a minimum of 3 people is required for weekday tours, and 4 for weekend tours.

Travelers will meet at the Palais Royal Metro station, just outside exit 5 on Place Colette, to begin their journey through the city’s wartime past. Along the way, they’ll visit key sites, learn about the Nazis’ presence, and gain a deeper understanding of the era’s social and political upheaval.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the Palais Royal Metro station, lines 1 and 7, outside exit 5 on Place Colette to begin their World War II-themed tour of Paris.

This convenient meeting spot is easy to find and just a short walk from the attractions explored throughout the tour.

Once the group is assembled, the guide will provide an overview of the day’s itinerary and lead the way as the small party sets out to uncover the history behind the Nazi occupation.

With a maximum of 10 travelers, this tour ensures an intimate, personalized experience as participants explore the stories of wartime Paris.

World War II Overview

As the tour begins, the guide provides an overview of the German occupation of Paris and the impact of World War II on the city. They discuss how Nazi forces seized control of the French capital in June 1940, marking the start of a four-year period of hardship and resistance for its residents.

The guide delves into the following key events:

• The requisitioning of hotels and other buildings by the Germans
• The trials of resistance fighters at Rue de Castiglione

Coco Chanel’s controversial stay at the Ritz and the looting of Jewish art.

The takeover of cafés, cinemas, and the destruction of the only building in Paris bombed during the war.

The rise of anti-Semitism and the Vichy government’s collaboration with the Nazis in the Marais district.

Requisitioned Hotels and Resistance

The Nazi forces quickly requisitioned numerous hotels and other buildings across Paris, transforming them into headquarters, housing, and detention centers.

Along these occupied streets, resistance fighters were frequently put on trial and executed for their defiance against the German occupation.

Visitors on this tour will walk down the iconic Rue de Rivoli and Rue de Castiglione, learning how the Nazis seized control of these areas.

They’ll hear about how the Ritz Hotel became a gathering place for German officers, while the Jeu de Paume museum was used to store looted art.

Coco Chanel and Looted Art

On this tour, visitors will learn about the controversial role of fashion icon Coco Chanel during the German occupation, as well as the looting of Jewish-owned art that took place at the Jeu de Paume museum.

Chanel’s purported affair with a Nazi officer and her attempts to regain control of her business are examined. The Jeu de Paume was used by the Nazis to catalog and confiscate priceless artworks from Jewish collectors, many of which were never returned.

Visitors will:

• Gain insight into the moral complexities faced by those living under occupation
• Understand how the Nazis systematized the theft of cultural heritage

Visitors will also:

• Appreciate the enduring legacy of Chanel’s brand despite her wartime actions
• Reflect on the impact of the Nazi plunder on the art world
• Consider the ongoing efforts to repatriate looted artworks.

German-Occupied Cafes and Cinemas

Alongside the Nazis’ commandeering of hotels and targeting of resistance fighters, they also took control of Parisian cafés and cinemas during the occupation.

These once-vibrant hubs of culture and community were transformed into venues for propaganda, entertainment, and surveillance under German rule. The Nazis shuttered many establishments, replacing them with their own leisure spots that catered to German soldiers and sympathizers.

Popular cinemas like the Rex and Normandie were seized, their screens used to broadcast Nazi films. Even iconic cafés like Les Deux Magots weren’t spared, now filled with German officers sipping coffee and keeping a watchful eye on the Parisians around them.

The Nazis’ influence permeated every aspect of city life.

Rise of Anti-Semitism in Marais

During the occupation, Parisians in the historic Marais district witnessed a disturbing rise in anti-Semitism as the Vichy government collaborated with the Nazis to target and persecute the city’s Jewish population.

This dark period saw:

• Jewish businesses vandalized and looted
• Synagogues defaced and desecrated
• Families torn apart as Jews were rounded up and deported to concentration camps
• Neighbors turning on neighbors, driven by fear and prejudice

A climate of suspicion and terror that permeated the once-vibrant Jewish quarter.

Your tour guide will shed light on this harrowing chapter, guiding you through the Marais and recounting the stories of resistance, resilience, and the heavy toll the Nazis’ hateful agenda took on this community.

Cancellation Policy and Tour Duration

The tour’s cancellation policy allows for bookings to be cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Refunds are provided if the guide cancels the tour due to not meeting the minimum participant requirement, which is 3 people for weekday tours and 4 people for weekend tours.

The tour itself lasts approximately 4 hours, with key stops including the Palais-Royal (15 minutes), Rue de Rivoli (2 hours 15 minutes), and Place de la Concorde (30 minutes).

Along the way, travelers will learn about the German occupation of Paris and World War II, as well as explore sites like cafes, cinemas, and the only building in Paris destroyed during the war.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Typically Start?

The tour typically starts in the morning, as it requires several hours to cover the key historical sites. The specific start time may vary, but it’s usually scheduled between 9-11 AM to make the most of the day.

Are Bathroom Breaks Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not explicitly mention scheduled bathroom breaks. However, given the 4-hour duration, the guide likely allows for brief restroom stops as needed to ensure the comfort of participants. Guests should feel free to politely request a break if required.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disrupting the guide or other group members. Photography policies may vary at certain stops, so it’s best to check with the guide.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it covers sensitive topics related to the German occupation and the Holocaust. However, older children with an interest in history could potentially participate with parental discretion.

What Language Is the Tour Conducted In?

The tour is conducted in English. The guided experience provides English-speaking travelers with an in-depth exploration of Paris during the German occupation of World War II, ensuring guests can fully understand and engage with the historical narrative.

Recap

This immersive tour provides an unparalleled window into the complex and harrowing realities of Paris under Nazi occupation.

Participants will uncover the hidden histories, personal stories, and lasting legacies of this pivotal period, gaining a deeper understanding of the social, political, and cultural upheaval that gripped the city.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a more nuanced perspective, this tour offers a compelling and intimate exploration of Paris’s wartime past.