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(65)
I have always been interested in learning about the occupation so I jumped at the chance to learn more when in Paris. What truly made this tour worth the price was our guide, Margo. She was not only knowledgable but friendly and was more than willing to answer our history questions when walking between sites! 10/10!
The subject matter was very interesting for WWII history buffs and Margaux was an outstanding docent.
Margaux gave a great tour. I am a history teacher on holiday and loved seeing the locations and the history brought to life by Margaux. I totally recommend this tour. We were a small group and could interact and ask questions as we went along.
This was AMAZING!!! Our guide, Margaux, was very informative. We learned so much about the French living under the German occupation during WWII. She was very accommodating for our family of 3 kids ( ages 16, 14, and 11) and our two grandmas. The kids had a great time asking questions and later commenting on how much they had learned!
This tour was great. It was very informative and interesting. Our guide was well versed on the subject matter and friendly and fun hostess. Our favorite activity in Paris.
Thank you so much, this truly makes my day! I'm so happy to hear this was your favorite activity in Paris, that means the world to me. I always try to keep things informative but also fun and friendly along the way, history doesn't have to be all serious! Thank you again for your kind words, it was a real pleasure guiding you.
Margot was a terrific guide. She took a very complex topic (the Nazi Occupation of Paris) and made it understandable and interesting. She was very knowledgeable and empathetic about the times and circumstances people found themselves in.
Thank you so much for this lovely review, it really means a lot! I always try to break down the complexity of the occupation into something clear and human, without losing the nuance, so I'm so glad that came through for you. Approaching this period with empathy for the difficult choices people faced is really important to me. Thank you again for your kind words, it was a pleasure guiding you!
We have a wonderful time!! This is a great 2.5 hour tour that will teach you about the Nazi occupation.
Margaux was amazing! She stayed in contact with us before the tour, and made sure we had everything we needed. She gave a great presentation to my daughter and I and it was a wonderful experience. If you are thinking about booking this tour.. do it!
Thank you so much, this really warms my heart! I always try to stay in touch beforehand so everyone feels well prepared and at ease before we even start walking. I'm so glad you and your daughter had such a wonderful experience together, moments like that are exactly why I love this job. Thank you again for your kind words and for encouraging others to book, it truly means a lot
Terrific tour with Margaux who was able to capture the broad context of the war and occupation as well as the day to day reality and individual stories of courage and resistance.
Margaux is an amazing host, and so knowledgeable about WW2 in the invasion of Paris by the Nazis. It was truly a walk back in history as our tour led us on a walk through 1939 Paris and able to see the actual buildings were created, as well as original photos of the events. Highly recommend this tour.
Thank you so much for this heartfelt review! I love that the tour felt like a real walk back into 1939 Paris, seeing the actual buildings still standing alongside original photos really brings that connection to life. Thank you again for your kind recommendation, it was a genuine pleasure guiding you!
