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.
Left Bank · WWII
WW2 Left Bank Tour
Discover Paris under the light of the Second World War
Did you know
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.
Three threads, one walk
The Fall · The Resistance · The Liberation
Act I · June 1940
The Fall of Paris
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.
Act II · 1940 — 1944
The Resistance
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.
Act III · August 1944
Liberation
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.
On the ground
Our 4 Historic Stops
Walked in sequence — each stop sets up the next.
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Introduction
Boulevard Saint-Michel - Introduction
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.
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The Fall of Paris
Palais du Luxembourg - The Fall
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.
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The Resistance
La Sorbonne - The Resistance
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.
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Liberation
Notre-Dame de Paris - Liberation
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.
The walk
See where we walk.
Four stops, two hours, one neighbourhood — all on foot.
Left Bank
2.5 km · 4 stops · 2 h
On the ground
From the tour.
Book this walk
WW2 Left Bank Tour
- From
- 59 €/ person
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Group
- Max 10
- Languages
- English · French
Option 1
Book a private tour
Your group only, on the date and at the time that suit you — same route, same research, at your own pace.
- Your group only — nobody else joins
- Any date, any start time
- In English or in French, at your pace
Option 2
Join a scheduled walk
Pick one of the next available dates, choose your party size and pay in one step. Ten people maximum, and bookings confirm within 24 hours.
Option 1
Book a private tour
Your group only, on the date and at the time that suit you — same route, same research, at your own pace.
Next available dates
Pick a session and book in under a minute — or choose another option below.
All times are Paris time (CET/CEST).
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Questions
Things you might wonder.
Where does the Left Bank WWII tour start and end?
The tour starts near Boulevard Saint-Michel and ends on the parvis of Notre-Dame. The exact meeting point is sent to you 24 hours before the tour.
What are the stops on the Left Bank WWII tour?
Four historic stops over 2 hours and about 2.5 km: Boulevard Saint-Michel, the Palais du Luxembourg, the Sorbonne, and Notre-Dame de Paris.
What stories does the Left Bank tour tell?
The Fall of Paris in June 1940, the student resistance at the Sorbonne, Agnes Humbert and the Musee de l'Homme network, the Luftwaffe headquarters at the Luxembourg Palace, and the Liberation — including the Te Deum under sniper fire at Notre-Dame on August 26, 1944.
How much does the Left Bank WWII tour cost?
From €59 per person for the group tour (maximum 10 participants). Private tours for your group only are also available, with flexible dates and times.
Is the Left Bank tour a good choice for a first visit to Paris?
Yes. The route crosses the heart of the Latin Quarter — Saint-Michel, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Gardens, Notre-Dame — so you discover iconic Paris while hearing the WWII stories most visitors walk past without knowing.