World War two : The Occupation of Paris

Recount of the start of WWII and how Paris was occupied. Back to some dramatic anecdotes and the everyday life under the occupation of Paris.

Testimony about the intense artistic life under the occupation : movie stars, music-halls, movie theater

Passages keep atmosphere and decors that could be found during the occupation. In front (on the other side) the building which hosted a bordello requisitioned by the German army

During the occupation, a considerable number of simple objects and art were sold at Drouot auction house. Opportunity to explain the mass stealing of Jewish property and the incredible story of a German art dealer working for the Reich.

The town hall of the 9th district will be the opportunity to speak about the Résistance, with a local employee. But also to address the denunciating and the passive resistance in France during WWII.

This stop will help us understand the role of banks under the occupation. As well as the armistice convention between France and Germany, and the resulting economic and political situation.

Example of a movie theater requisitioned for German soldiers. Nearby an other building remaines famous for hosting one of the most important exhibition in Paris, organized by the nazi propaganda and valuing antisemitism: "the Jews and France"

The “place de l’Opéra” is extremely symbolic of the occupation of Paris. The Kommandantur was there, the Café de la Paix like the Opéra are rich of many anecdotes during this period.

After discussing about the fate of “rue de la Paix” jewelry stores, the “place Vendôme” will be the opportunity to talk about the law ministry, occupied by the German army, as well as one of the very first resistance networks located nearby. The Ritz Hotel, which was a key place of the occupation and collaboration, with many celebrities, spies, and militaries.

The most of the palace hotels were used as headquarters of the German army. Behind Hotel Meurice, we will be able to talk about the main characters related with these places and fights of the “Libération” that ended there.

The “place de la Concorde” shows the marks of the “Libération” fightings. The memorial plaques are dedicated to soldiers, resistance fighters or civilians who took part of the battle. On the terrace, several photos of the square and the places around it will allow to understand better the period but also to review on the fundamental role of many famous people. The museum behind was used by the Germans to store all the art stolen to the Jews and sent to Germany.