Right 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
"Whatever happens, the Flame of the French Resistance must not and will not be extinguished."— Charles de Gaulle, 18th June 1940
On this Right Bank Tour we set the scene of wartime Paris, then follow three intertwined threads: how close Paris came to being lost in mere days, how cultural treasures were secretly tracked under occupation after being stolen by the nazis, and the dramatic fighting & personalities tied to the Liberation.
Rose Valland, a curator at the Jeu de Paume museum, secretly catalogued over 20,000 artworks stolen by the Nazis for 4 years, risking execution if discovered. Her records helped recover thousands of pieces after the war.
Ernest Hemingway famously claimed to have 'liberated' the Ritz Hotel bar at Place Vendome on August 25, 1944, arriving with a group of French resistance fighters and ordering 73 dry martinis.
Place de la Concorde was the site of the first French flag raised over a public building in Paris during the Liberation, replacing the swastika that had flown for over 4 years.
The Pont Alexandre III, where our tour begins, was one of the bridges Hitler ordered to be destroyed. It survived thanks to the German garrison's decision to disobey the demolition order.
During the occupation, German road signs in Gothic script were installed across Paris, and the clocks were set to Berlin time — one hour ahead of French time.
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.
Our first stop is all about getting on the same page — and having a bit of fun while we do it. We'll set the scene for Paris in World War II, giving you the key events and characters to remember. There's a quiz involved, so listen closely…
Here we revisit a decisive meeting held immediately after the German assault in May 1940. You'll discover the important decisions that were taken on that day by the government on the future of the French capital.
Moving on to the Occupation period, we'll focus on the story of a French female Resistance fighter called Rose Valland. For 4 years straight, she risked her life every day to keep track of all the artwork seized by the Nazis in Paris, and sent to Germany...
Fighting in the streets, uncertainty in command, and a literary legend—Ernest Hemingway—who vowed to liberate a very specific Parisian site. Did he succeed? We build the suspense as we reach the symbolic finale.
Our first stop is all about getting on the same page — and having a bit of fun while we do it. We'll set the scene for Paris in World War II, giving you the key events and characters to remember. There's a quiz involved, so listen closely…
Here we revisit a decisive meeting held immediately after the German assault in May 1940. You'll discover the important decisions that were taken on that day by the government on the future of the French capital.
Moving on to the Occupation period, we'll focus on the story of a French female Resistance fighter called Rose Valland. For 4 years straight, she risked her life every day to keep track of all the artwork seized by the Nazis in Paris, and sent to Germany...
Fighting in the streets, uncertainty in command, and a literary legend—Ernest Hemingway—who vowed to liberate a very specific Parisian site. Did he succeed? We build the suspense as we reach the symbolic finale.
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 Left Bank tour: Panthéon, Sorbonne, Notre-Dame, and the Resistance stories.
Left 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.