VN121 Paris Walks - Resistance and the Liberation of Paris

Tuesday, November 12

The story of the resistance in France during the Second World War, whose members came from all backgrounds and struggled bravely in difficult conditions.  We start at the Hotel Lutetia, a German Army HQ and refugee center after the war, and see the monument to the infamous Cherche Midi prison where many resistance leaders were held.  We will hear of the plight of the Jews at this time, the terrible round ups, (as described in the book 'Sarah's Key'), and the story of Helene Berr, the Sorbonne student who wrote a heart breaking diary of her experience in Paris until her arrest.  You will hear many poignant and moving stories as the history is woven with details of daily life during occupation and the tales of heroic ordinary citizens, including the five high school students of the Lycee Buffon.  We will see the location of the most important meeting of the resistance in Paris, conducted by Jean Moulin just before his capture, and where the battle of Paris was played out at St Michel square and police HQ in August 1944.

A 15/20 minute break will be included in this walk.            

Please come prepared for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Instructor: Brad Newfield. Highly experienced walk guide in Paris.