Paris at War Walking Tour

Traces of occupied Paris emerge through this private walking tour, offering a powerful and nuanced perspective on the city’s most iconic districts. Far from a traditional historical overview, this experience reveals how daily life, propaganda, and power reshaped the French capital between 1940 and 1944, blending well-known landmarks with lesser-known stories.

Your exploration begins near the former Palais Berlitz, originally the Pavillon de Hanovre, where the infamous exhibition “The Jew and France” was held between 1941 and 1942. This striking example of Nazi propaganda illustrates how ideology was publicly staged in the heart of Paris, influencing perceptions and reinforcing antisemitic narratives during the occupation.

Continuing towards the Opéra district, the elegance of the Opéra Garnier contrasts with its wartime surroundings. Nearby stood the headquarters of the German military command, from which the city was administered. As you proceed to Place Vendôme, you will uncover how Parisian luxury adapted to occupation, with grand hotels requisitioned by Nazi officials, including Hermann Göring at the Ritz.

The tour concludes around the Tuileries Garden, where the Jeu de Paume became a storage site for looted artworks. This area also witnessed intense fighting during the Liberation of Paris in 1944, leaving visible marks on the city’s heritage and memory. Through each stop, this walking tour offers a compelling insight into a complex and often overlooked chapter of Parisian history.