Left Bank Tour
Discover Paris under the light of the Second World War
2 hours
2.5 km walking
4 historic stops
Discover Paris under the light of the Second World War
"Paris, Paris outraged! Paris broken! Paris martyred! But Paris liberated!"— Charles de Gaulle, 25th August 1944
This Left Bank Tour explores WWII Paris with stories of the Fall, the Resistance, and the Liberation, guiding you through four historic stops.
Paris was declared an 'open city' on June 13, 1940, meaning it would not be defended against the approaching German army, in order to spare its buildings and civilians from destruction.
During the 4-year Nazi occupation (1940-1944), the Palais du Luxembourg served as the headquarters of the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) in France.
Agnes Humbert, featured on our tour, was one of the founders of the Musee de l'Homme resistance network — one of the very first organized resistance groups in occupied Paris, formed in late 1940.
General Dietrich von Choltitz, the German military governor of Paris in August 1944, disobeyed Hitler's direct order to destroy the city's bridges and monuments before the Allied advance.
On August 26, 1944, General de Gaulle led a victory march from the Arc de Triomphe down the Champs-Elysees to Notre-Dame, despite active sniper fire along the route.
Discover how Paris fell to the hands of the German army in only 35 days of active combat, and learn more about the crucial decisions taken during that period.
Learn how some French Resistance fighters operated under the noses of the Nazi occupiers, using ingenuity and courage to protect their city and its culture.
Revisit the Liberation of Paris in August 1944, when the city came on the brink of destruction, and learn how some famous characters were involved in the event.
Discover how Paris fell to the hands of the German army in only 35 days of active combat, and learn more about the crucial decisions taken during that period.
Learn how some French Resistance fighters operated under the noses of the Nazi occupiers, using ingenuity and courage to protect their city and its culture.
Revisit the Liberation of Paris in August 1944, when the city came on the brink of destruction, and learn how some famous characters were involved in the event.
Begin your journey at this iconic boulevard with a presentation of the tour and a quick history quiz to put everyone on the same page! Discover how Paris looked on the eve of the German invasion and see the first signs of the war that still remain in the city to this day.
Walk through the gardens of this magnificent palace and discover how Paris fell to the German army in only 35 days of combat. Learn about the crucial 35 days that changed the city forever and how the Nazis transformed this symbol of French culture into their Air Force command center.
Near this historic university, discover the story of Agnès Humbert, a brave French Resistance fighter who was part of the first organized resistance network in Paris, called Musée de l'Homme. Learn about one of the earliest resistance movements in the city and how these courageous individuals risked everything to fight against the occupation.
Conclude our tour at this iconic cathedral, witness to the liberation of Paris in August 1944. Learn more about the fights that took place in Paris 81 years ago. Stand where General de Gaulle proclaimed the freedom of the capital and discover how closely Paris came to being greatly damaged.
Begin your journey at this iconic boulevard with a presentation of the tour and a quick history quiz to put everyone on the same page! Discover how Paris looked on the eve of the German invasion and see the first signs of the war that still remain in the city to this day.
Walk through the gardens of this magnificent palace and discover how Paris fell to the German army in only 35 days of combat. Learn about the crucial 35 days that changed the city forever and how the Nazis transformed this symbol of French culture into their Air Force command center.
Near this historic university, discover the story of Agnès Humbert, a brave French Resistance fighter who was part of the first organized resistance network in Paris, called Musée de l'Homme. Learn about one of the earliest resistance movements in the city and how these courageous individuals risked everything to fight against the occupation.
Conclude our tour at this iconic cathedral, witness to the liberation of Paris in August 1944. Learn more about the fights that took place in Paris 81 years ago. Stand where General de Gaulle proclaimed the freedom of the capital and discover how closely Paris came to being greatly damaged.
2.5km • 4 stops • 2 hours
Let's organize your visit step by step
Discover WW2 on the left side of Paris
Discover WW2 on the right side of Paris
Complete your experience with the Right Bank tour: Place Vendôme, Concorde, and the Liberation stories.
Right Bank Tour →Each tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers about 2.5 km with 4 historic stops. The pace is comfortable for all fitness levels.
Yes, all tours are available in both English and French. Choose your preferred language when booking.
Both tours cover three themes: the Fall of Paris, the Resistance, and the Liberation. The Left Bank tour visits Boulevard Saint-Michel, Luxembourg Gardens, Sorbonne, and Notre-Dame. The Right Bank tour covers Pont Alexandre III, Place de la Concorde, and Place Vendôme. Each tour tells unique stories tied to its locations.
Yes, we offer both regular group tours (up to 10 people) and private tours for your group only. Private tours offer more flexibility with dates and times.
The tour is designed for adults and older teenagers interested in history. The content covers wartime events and is presented in an educational, respectful manner.
Meeting points are communicated 24 hours before the tour. The Left Bank tour starts near Boulevard Saint-Michel and ends near Notre-Dame. The Right Bank tour starts at Pont Alexandre III and ends at Place Vendôme.