Private Paris WWII History Tour: Occupation & Resistance

The Private Paris WWII History Tour promises an immersive exploration of the city’s tumultuous past. Participants will explore the significant events and stories that unfolded during the Nazi occupation, from the Vel d’Hiv raid to the resilience of the French Resistance. Along the way, they’ll uncover hidden narratives, visit iconic landmarks, and gain a deeper understanding of how Parisians navigated the war’s complexities. This tour offers a poignant glimpse into a defining chapter of the city’s history, leaving one to ponder the lasting impact of those turbulent times.

Key Points

• This private tour explores the French Resistance’s defiance against Nazi occupation in Paris, including historic resistance streets and the tragic Vel d’Hiv raid.
• Participants will learn about the role of underground publications in rallying Parisians against German rule and discover the bookstore where Samuel Beckett hid from the Gestapo.
• The tour examines the complexities of collaboration during the occupation and provides insights into the wartime experiences of Parisians through intimate stories.
• Iconic landmarks like the Jardin du Luxembourg, previously a Luftwaffe headquarters, are visited to understand the transition from Nazi control to freedom celebrations.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, with hotel pickup and drop-off available, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This private Paris WWII History Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s occupation and resistance during World War II.

Priced at $271.89 per person, the 3-hour private tour provides a deep dive into the history, with highlights including walking historic resistance streets, reflecting on the Vel d’Hiv raid, and visiting key sites like the bookstore where Samuel Beckett sought refuge.

A 3-hour private WWII history tour in Paris, delving into the city’s occupation and resistance, visiting key sites like the bookstore where Samuel Beckett sought refuge.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available along the route.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and prepare for varying weather conditions.

Highlights of the WWII History Tour

As participants embark on this private Paris WWII History Tour, they’ll walk the historic streets where the French Resistance fought against Nazi occupation.

They’ll follow in the footsteps of heroes like Jean Moulin and reflect on tragic events like the Vel d’Hiv raid.

The tour explores iconic landmarks, from the bookstore where Samuel Beckett hid from the Gestapo to the Jardin du Luxembourg, once a Luftwaffe headquarters.

Participants will witness the city’s transition from Nazi control to the joyous celebrations of freedom.

Throughout, the tour uncovers hidden stories and examines the complexities of wartime Paris.

The French Resistance in Paris

Although the Nazi occupation of Paris cast a dark shadow over the city, the indomitable spirit of the French Resistance refused to be extinguished.

Guided by heroic figures like Jean Moulin, the Resistance carried out daring acts of defiance, publishing underground newspapers and staging sabotage against the German forces.

Visitors can trace these paths of resistance, discovering the bookstore where Samuel Beckett sought refuge from the Gestapo and exploring the Jardin du Luxembourg, once a Luftwaffe headquarters.

The tour culminates in witnessing the jubilant transition from Nazi control to the celebrations of freedom.

Unveiling Hidden Stories of Nazi Occupation

Beyond the courageous acts of the French Resistance, the Paris WWII History Tour unveils the hidden stories of life under Nazi occupation.

Participants explore the bookstore where Samuel Beckett sought refuge from the Gestapo, and reflect on the Vel d’Hiv raid, a tragic chapter in the roundup of Jewish families.

The tour also examines the complexities of collaboration and post-war rebuilding, uncovering how Parisians navigated the transition from Nazi control to celebrations of freedom.

Through these intimate insights, the tour offers a poignant and multifaceted understanding of the city’s wartime experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring Iconic WWII Landmarks in Paris

The Paris WWII History Tour takes participants on a captivating journey through the city’s iconic landmarks that played pivotal roles during the Nazi occupation.

Visitors explore the Jardin du Luxembourg, once the Luftwaffe headquarters, and witness the Saint-Michel District’s anti-Nazi riots of 1942.

The tour also leads to:

• The bookstore where Samuel Beckett hid from the Gestapo

• The paths that heroic figures like Jean Moulin traversed

• The somber site of the Vel d’Hiv raid, where Jewish families were rounded up

• The transition from Nazi control to the celebrations of freedom

The Role of Underground Publications

During the Nazi occupation of Paris, underground publications played a crucial role in the French Resistance‘s fight against oppression.

Clandestine newspapers like Defense de France circulated subversive content, rallying citizens to resist German rule. These publications shared classified information, denounced collaborators, and reported on Resistance activities.

Writers and editors risked their lives to distribute these forbidden texts, which provided a voice for the Parisian people under the boots of the Gestapo.

Underground publications became a powerful tool in the broader struggle for freedom, fueling the flames of rebellion against the occupying forces.

Collaborators and Post-War Rebuilding

Though collaboration with the Nazi regime was a complex and often nuanced issue, some Parisians embraced their German occupiers, either out of fear, opportunism, or a misguided sense of nationalism.

This included:

• Serving in the Milice, a French paramilitary force that aided the Nazis in repressing the Resistance

• Informing on neighbors to the Gestapo for personal gain

• Working in German-controlled industries and businesses to maintain a sense of normalcy

• Participating in propaganda efforts to project an image of cooperation and stability under Nazi rule

As Paris transitioned to liberation, these collaborators faced harsh consequences, including imprisonment, exile, and public shaming.

The city’s post-war rebuilding efforts aimed to restore a sense of national unity and pride.

Important Information for Tour Participants

Participants will meet at the Saint Michael Monument, where the tour guide will be holding a Mister Llama mascot as a meeting point.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour covers significant distances. Participants should prepare for varying weather conditions and dress accordingly.

The tour will visit memorials and historical sites, so participants are asked to respect the solemnity of these locations.

Hotel pickup and drop-off is available if along the tour route, but meals, beverages, and personal expenses aren’t included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for children, as it focuses on the complexities of the French Resistance and Nazi occupation during WWII, which could be sensitive or disturbing topics for younger audiences. A family-friendly alternative may be a more appropriate choice.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour, though they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience or distracting from the guide’s commentary. It’s important to follow any specific instructions provided by the tour operator.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water or Snacks?

No, you don’t need to bring your own water or snacks. The tour doesn’t include any meals or beverages, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. However, there may be opportunities to purchase refreshments during the tour.

How Many People Are Typically in a Private Group?

The tour size for a private group typically ranges from 2 to 8 participants. The exact number can vary, but the small size allows for a personalized and intimate experience during the guided exploration of the WWII historical sites.

Is the Tour Offered in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English. Customers can request their preferred language when booking the private tour to ensure a guided experience tailored to their needs.

The Wrap Up

The Private Paris WWII History Tour offers an immersive and insightful exploration of the city’s tumultuous past, delving into the stories of occupation, resistance, and resilience that shaped its history. Through visits to significant landmarks and the recounting of poignant narratives, participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Parisians during this pivotal period, and the enduring spirit that allowed them to persevere.

You can check availability for your dates here: