Paris in the Second World War: Private Half-Day Walking Tour

Paris in the Second World War was a tumultuous time, marked by both darkness and acts of heroism. This private walking tour promises to immerse you in the city’s wartime history, uncovering stories of courage and resistance amidst the Nazi occupation. From the Marais district to the Mémorial de la Shoah, you’ll witness firsthand how ordinary Parisians defied oppression, and learn about the city’s resilience in the face of adversity. Prepare to be captivated by this unique opportunity to connect with the past and gain a deeper understanding of Paris’ wartime experiences.

Key Points

1. This private half-day walking tour explores key wartime locations in Paris, from the Marais district to the Ritz and Le Meurice hotels.
2. The tour emphasizes the experiences of the Jewish population, local resistance, and civilian heroes during the Nazi occupation.
3. Participants receive a Paris metro ticket, have opportunities for photos, and get recommendations for local food and drink from the knowledgeable guide.
4. The tour covers the former Gestapo headquarters, the Mémorial de la Shoah, and the apartment of the actress Arletty, providing insights into wartime events.
5. The tour highlights the bravery and resilience of ordinary Parisians, including shopkeepers, teachers, and mothers who risked their lives to help others during the occupation.

Tour Overview

The private half-day walking tour in Paris focuses on the city’s experience during World War II.

It explores key wartime locations from the Marais district to the iconic Ritz and Le Meurice hotels. Guests will learn about the Jewish population, local resistance, and civilian heroes who lived through the conflict.

The tour’s pace and itinerary are customized, with personal attention from the knowledgeable guide. Guests can expect one Paris metro ticket, time for photos, and recommendations for local food and drink.

The tour is customized with a knowledgeable guide, offering a metro ticket, photo opportunities, and local food and drink recommendations.

Additional transportation costs and gratuities aren’t included.

Inclusions

This private tour includes a professional guide for the group, as well as one Paris metro ticket.

You’ll have time to take photos at various WWII locations throughout the tour. The guide will also provide recommendations for local food and drink.

While additional transportation costs and gratuities aren’t included, the pace and itinerary are customized to your group’s needs, ensuring you receive personal attention.

With a moderate level of physical fitness required, this tour offers an immersive look at Paris during the war, exploring key sites from the Marais to the Ritz.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for this private walking tour is Paroisse Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, located at 99 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris, France.

The meeting point for this private walking tour is Paroisse Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, located at 99 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris, France.

From there, the tour will take guests through key wartime locations across the Marais district, Le Meurice, and the Ritz.

The tour ends near the Charles de Gaulle statue, conveniently close to public transportation and taxi services. This allows for easy onward travel after the tour.

Throughout the experience, the guide will provide personalized attention and recommendations for local food and drink options to enhance the overall experience.

Tour Details

Upon booking, guests receive confirmation for the private half-day walking tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests need moderate physical fitness. It’s a private tour, with only the booked group participating.

The price starts at $220 per person and varies based on group size. Guests have 3 reviews with a 5.0 rating, praising the guide’s adaptability, historical knowledge, and engagement with current events.

They also appreciated the thoroughness and information provided during the tour. Additional transportation costs and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Wartime Locations in the Marais

As the tour begins in the historic Marais district, guests explore key wartime locations that hold immense significance.

They visit the Mémorial de la Shoah, a museum commemorating the Holocaust, and learn about the area’s once-thriving Jewish community.

The group also stops at the former Gestapo headquarters, where resistance fighters were interrogated and imprisoned.

Passing by the Arletty apartment, they uncover the story of the famed actress who’d an affair with a German officer.

Throughout, the guide offers insights into the bravery and suffering of Parisians during the occupation.

Jewish Population and Local Resistance

Paris’ Jewish population endured immense hardship during the war years. Many were forced into the Marais neighborhood, which became a hub of Jewish life.

Tour guides share stories of local resistance fighters who risked their lives to shelter Jews and distribute anti-Nazi propaganda. Visitors learn about the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup, where over 13,000 Jews were arrested and deported to concentration camps.

The tour highlights key sites associated with this dark period, allowing guests to reflect on the courage and resilience of Parisian civilians who stood up to the Nazi occupation.

Civilian Heroes of Paris

What stories do the tour guides share about the civilian heroes of Paris during the Nazi occupation?

They highlight the bravery and resilience of everyday Parisians who defied the Nazis in remarkable ways:

1. Shopkeepers who secretly provided food and shelter to Jews and resistance fighters.

2. Teachers who hid students from the Gestapo and taught them about freedom.

3. Mothers who risked their lives to protect their children from deportation.

4. Ordinary citizens who staged daring public protests against the German regime.

These unsung heroes remind us of the power of individual courage in the face of tyranny.

Recommendations for Food and Drink

Along With the rich historical insights, the tour guides provide helpful recommendations for local food and drink to savor during your time in Paris.

They suggest stopping for a traditional croque-monsieur, a decadent grilled ham and cheese sandwich, or visiting a cozy brasserie for a glass of Bordeaux and an order of steak frites.

For a sweet treat, the guides recommend visiting a pâtisserie to sample buttery croissants or the iconic Parisian macaron.

These culinary delights complement the immersive experience, allowing you to fully learn about the wartime atmosphere of the city.

The Sum Up

This private walking tour offers a poignant and immersive experience, exploring Paris’s wartime history in the Marais district. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover stories of bravery and resistance, while also getting personalized recommendations for local food and drink to enhance your connection to the city’s past. It’s a unique and meaningful way to engage with Paris’s World War II history.