Paris in the Second World War Private Walking Tour
The Second World War vastly shaped the world's view of the war and shaped Paris throughout the twentieth-century. On this tour, you will:
- Commence your tour at the historic Jewish quarter
- Uncover the main events of 1940-44, from occupation to resistance to collaboration to deportation to liberation
- Discuss the economy through the stock exchange & banks
- Experience Parisian decadence in the Opera district
- Hear stories of heroism & liberation
- Explore traces of Paris' past through its iconic buildings and streets- Place Vendôme, rue de Rivoli, and Place de la Concorde
Amid disarray and chaos, the German army entered Paris on the 14th of June 1940, and occupied the city until the end of August 1944. Commence your experience at the heart of the third Jewish district of Paris, and uncover the historical and political circumstances that led to the outbreak of the Second World War. In this area, stops include a school and a nearby synagogue, so travellers can familiarise themselves with daily life in Paris under the occupation. You will learn about the lives of those deported, as well as tales of heroic opposition.
Next, discuss the economic elements of the war with your expert guide, through its stock exchanges, banks, and press centres spread across the city. But life was not all about business, and Paris' cultural scene thrived with operas, cinemas, and exhibitions. Experience this at the Opera district, and compare a tale of two cities- through the Palais Garnier and Folies Bergère.
From the Opera through the grands Hôtels rue de Rivoli, uncover the remaining political and physical signs of the German presence in Paris. This experience concludes with stories of the liberation of Paris, ending at Concorde square. Here, overlook the square and hear about this troubled period, notably the works of arts stolen from the Jewish community and stored nearby, as well as the highlights of the liberation of Paris.
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