Paris WW2 The German Occupation Small group or Private tour

This small-group tour of Paris during WWII offers a detailed look into the city’s occupation from 1940 to 1944. Priced at $104.66 per person and lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of battlefield sites and hidden histories, led by Chris Pollard, an expert guide with extensive knowledge of the period. The tour departs from Place Colette, with a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and meaningful discussion.

We appreciate that the tour focuses on quality over quantity, with the flexibility to explore certain sites longer based on questions and interest. Although some reviews praise the guide’s expertise and storytelling, it’s important to note that the tour is best suited for those with a keen interest in history and political contexts, as it involves walking through historic neighborhoods and engaging with complex topics.

Key Points

• Expert-led tour with Chris Pollard, a passionate historian
• Focuses on Paris during WWII, including resistance, occupation, and collaboration
• Visit significant sites such as Palais Royal, Rue de Rivoli, Place de la Concorde, and more
• Flexible itinerary tailored to questions and interest, with emphasis on quality over quantity
• Tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, with a small group of up to 10 people
• Includes fully private options and group discounts

Precise Meeting Point at Palais Royal Metro Exit

The tour begins at the Palais Royal Metro Exit 5 on Place Colette, directly opposite the Comédie Française Theatre. This specific location allows easy access and a clear start point for the walk through Paris’s historic streets. Unlike other descriptions, this tour does not meet at the Tuileries metro station nor does it start with a visit to the Holocaust memorial unless explicitly requested.

Starting here, Chris Pollard takes participants on a walk that covers a collection of key sites between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. The emphasis is on visiting important landmarks with meaningful historical context, rather than just ticking off tourist sights. The meeting point is communicated clearly and personally, adding a layer of professionalism and care that many travelers find reassuring.

The Flexible Itinerary and Site Selection

Since the tour focuses on quality storytelling, the exact sites visited can vary each time, depending on participant questions and interests. Chris Pollard takes a conversational approach, allowing for in-depth exploration of certain locations.

Typical stops include areas around the Louvre, the Rue de Rivoli, and Place de la Concorde. Each site is chosen for its significance during the occupation, such as Nazi requisitions of buildings, resistance activities, and symbols of Paris’s wartime history. Participants may see landmarks like the Hotel Meurice, the Ritz, the Place Vendôme, and the Grand Palais—sites linked to German military headquarters, collaborationist groups, and resistance movements.

This style of tour offers a personalized experience where the guide answers questions and spends extra time at locations that spark curiosity. It’s ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of Paris’s wartime challenges, beyond just surface-level facts.

Exploring Key WWII Sites in Paris

The tour’s stops include several significant locations:

• Palais Royal: Serves as the starting point; the guide explains its role during the occupation and its connection to resistance activities.
• Rue de Rivoli: Known for the first resistance newspaper location and Nazi occupied hotels, including the Hôtel Meurice, which was used as a German Army HQ.
• Place Vendôme: Site of the Ritz hotel, where Coco Chanel stayed and where anti-Nazi movements gathered. It also housed the German headquarters during wartime.
• The Grand Palais: Notably the only Paris building destroyed during the occupation and later rebuilt.
• Place de la Concorde: An iconic square where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette faced the guillotine, also home to German military HQs during the war.

The guide emphasizes the hidden scars and marks of Liberation, such as bullet holes and wartime scars visible on monuments. These tangible remnants reinforce the tour’s focus on visualizing history through actual sites.

The Significance of WWII Resistance and Collaboration

Throughout the tour, emphasis is placed on the complexity of French society under occupation. The guide discusses the rise of anti-Semitism, the Vichy government, and the divided responses—collaboration, resistance, or survival—by different groups and individuals.

Rue Rouget de Lisle, for example, is highlighted as the place where the French resistance’s first organized efforts began. The secret locations of collaborationist groups and the first Allied spy network are also covered, giving participants insight into the covert war fought within Paris’s streets.

The Role of the Guide: Chris Pollard’s Approach

Many reviews praise Chris Pollard for his passion, detailed knowledge, and storytelling style. He is described as engaging, well-informed, and capable of weaving multiple themes—from military strategies to personal stories—into a coherent narrative.

Chris actively encourages questions, allowing for customized discussions. He displays a collection of seven folders of images and documents, along with expensive reference books, to deepen understanding. Participants appreciate that he takes time to show rare photos and maps that are not easily accessible elsewhere.

While some reviews mention the length of the tour, most agree it offers a comprehensive look at the occupation, especially for history buffs eager to go beyond superficial details.

Practical Details and Group Size

The tour operates in small groups, limited to 8-10 participants, which enhances interaction and allows the guide to tailor the experience. Private options are also available, with personalized itineraries and flexible start times.

The meeting point at Place Colette is easy to find, and the tour ends near Place de la Concorde, a central location accessible by public transport.

The tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to run; cancellations are possible if the group size is too small, but full refunds are offered if the tour is canceled due to insufficient numbers or poor weather.

The Value of a Knowledgeable, Passionate Guide

Many reviews highly praise Chris Pollard’s expertise, describing him as one of the best guides in Paris for WWII history. Participants leave with a more nuanced understanding of the occupation’s social, political, and military facets, often learning more than they could from books or casual sightseeing.

The tour’s cost is justified by the depth of information, the personalized attention, and the opportunity to see rare photographs and documents. It’s particularly suitable for history lovers and those interested in the darker stories of Paris’s past.

Limitations and Considerations

Some reviews note that the tour involves walking through neighborhoods, and the focus is on discussion and viewing sites rather than visiting museums or indoor attractions. The tour does not go into depth about the Holocaust itself unless specifically requested, as that would require a dedicated session.

It’s NOT recommended for those seeking a quick overview or superficial glance. Instead, the experience suits those with a serious interest in WWII history and a willingness to engage in complex topics.

Final Thoughts on the Paris WWII Occupation Tour

This tour offers a highly detailed, expert-led exploration of Paris during WWII, emphasizing the stories behind the sites rather than just the sights. Many reviewers describe it as engaging, educational, and well-researched, making it a valuable experience for history enthusiasts.

The small group setting ensures personalized attention and rich discussions. However, travelers should be prepared for a walking tour that requires focus on historical context and analysis, rather than a superficial sightseeing trip.

Ultimately, the tour is ideal for those eager to understand the complexities of Paris’s wartime experience—from resistance efforts to collaboration—and to see the city’s scars and symbols of that turbulent period firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically runs 3 to 4 hours, depending on questions and interest levels.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Place Colette, at the Palais Royal Metro Exit 5.

What sites are visited during the tour?
Participants visit sites around the Louvre, Rue de Rivoli, Place Vendôme, Grand Palais, and Place de la Concorde, among others, focusing on locations significant in WWII history.

Are private options available?
Yes, fully private tours with personalized itineraries and flexible start times are available.

What is the group size?
Small groups are limited to 8-10 people to promote in-depth discussion.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and in-depth historical discussion, making it more suitable for adults or older teens with an interest in history.

Can the tour be canceled?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. The tour may cancel if minimum group size isn’t met or due to bad weather.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely—Chris Pollard is highly praised for his passion, expertise, and storytelling ability, making the tour engaging and informative.

How does this tour compare to other WWII tours in Paris?
It stands out for its focus on depth and site significance, as well as the guide’s personal collection of rare photos and documents. Many reviewers call it the best in Paris for WWII history.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The guide provides visual materials and documentation, so bringing a curiosity for history is most important.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The data doesn’t specify accessibility details. Expect walking through streets and neighborhoods, so mobility considerations are advised.