Sean was very knowledgeable and an outstanding guide. He demonstrated a rich knowledge of history, broadening our understanding of the occupation of Paris and expanding our appreciation for the brave members of the Resistance.
Paris WWII History Tour: Nazi Occupation and the Resistance
Separate fact from fiction as expert historians uncover true stories of daily life in war-torn Paris
The Finer Details
Occupation did not happen in one single moment. Rather, a series of events forcefully reshaped Parisian life. This expert-led Paris WWII tour explores how Nazi control settled into the city, how Parisians adapted, and how fear and the need to maintain routine often existed side by side.
With a WWII Expert, focus on what made Paris distinct under occupation politically, socially, and psychologically. Walk the streets of the Left Bank together to examine how authority and oppression operated day to day, from policing to propaganda. Discuss how food shortages, surveillance, and curfews altered ordinary lives and routines. How did communities decide what was safe, what was necessary, or what may be worth risking?
As you move across bridges, attention turns to the Resistance not as a single movement, but as a fragile, fractured network. Learn how couriers, printers, and organizers worked quietly, often without knowing who else was involved, to strive for freedom again. But what did resistance actually look like on just another Tuesday morning in the streets of Paris?
In the Marais, confront the realities of persecution and absence as stories of Jewish families and targeted communities ground politics and policy in lived experience. The streets of today still reveal how quickly neighbors could vanish, and how memories may be all that linger in place.
Your Expert continues the narrative and builds toward the Liberation, born largely from within the embattled and entrenched city itself. Explore how timing, local knowledge, and quiet communication mattered more than grand speeches. Paris did not simply wait to be freed, it acted.
Throughout, the focus of the tour remains human. Moral compromise, bravery, fear, and hope coexist in every story. The result is a deeper understanding of what your family, or countless others, may have faced when history pressed in from all sides.
Everyone from history buffs to history dabblers will learn something new
“Marie was a fabulous guide. She gave me a real look at WWII from the French perspective, which was so interesting. My husband is a real military/war buff and he learned new things from Marie. Highly recommend Marie and this tour. Money well spent.”
Discover one of Paris’ hidden sides
“Our guide, Sean, led us on an insightful walking tour that we really enjoyed. We read a lot of WWII history, but were unfamiliar with the details of what happened in Paris during the war years—and we learned a lot on this tour. It offered a new way to see and understand Paris. We enjoyed it!”
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Latin QuarterParis neighborhood known for historic streets, universities, and cultural life.
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MaraisHistoric Paris district with medieval streets, museums, and cultural landmarks.
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Place Saint-Michel
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Luxembourg Gardens
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Île de la Cité
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Mémorial des martyrs de la Déportation
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Memorial of the Shoah
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointGuests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
We cover mature topics on this tour. It is not designed as a family tour, though we welcome inquisitive minds of all ages. Please contact us to discuss further if you're concerned about age-appropriate content. Context small-group tours do have an age minimum of 13.
We run this tour every day of the week, except for a few holidays when downtown Paris is very congested. Please be aware that the Shoah Memorial is not open on Saturdays and therefore Saturday tours will visit other points of interest.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Don’t just take our word for it
I found this a bit underwhelming.
Sam was excellent! Very engaging and filled in many gaps that exist in American’s perception of France in WWII. Very personable and cute! Loved being with him.
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
