The Paris Resistance Museum is a must-see for anybody eager on studying in regards to the French Resistance and the Liberation of Paris. It traces the lives of Jean Moulin and Basic Leclerc—two figures important to town’s liberation—by means of a charming assortment of artifacts and displays.
I’ve visited the Paris Liberation Museum a number of occasions, and every go to revealed one thing new. The museum is so layered with historic depth that I understood connections I hadn’t seen earlier than.
The chronological setup actually helps piece collectively occasions, making it a captivating place to go to – and revisit. Plus, admission is free!
The museum sits above the key Resistance bunkers, which you’ll be able to tour to see the place operations had been led.
Whether or not you’re a historical past lover or simply on the lookout for a significant, budget-friendly exercise in Paris, this place is ideal.
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning professional and parisienne since 2006 🩷
Musée de la Libération de Paris
The official identify of the museum is Musée de la Libération de Paris – Musée du Général Leclerc – Musée Jean Moulin. Whereas this full title honors its historic significance, it’s a little bit of a mouthful. Most individuals merely name it the Liberation Museum or Resistance Museum.
Inaugurated in August 2019, it’s one among Paris’ latest museums. Properly, not precisely new—it was beforehand tucked away above Montparnasse prepare station, unnoticed by most guests and Parisians alike. It didn’t fairly get the popularity it deserved there.
In August 2019, on the event of the seventy fifth anniversary of liberating France from the Nazis throughout World Struggle II, the brand new Museum of Liberation bought inaugurated – a brand new location, a brand new constructing, and constructed on a history-loaded web site.
Good to know: admission is free! (try our “Paris at no cost” part!)
What’s the Museum about?
The museum makes use of the non-public tales of Jean Moulin and Général Leclerc to inform the bigger story of WWII and the way the French Resistance fought to free Paris from Nazi management.
As you stroll by means of the displays, it’s like following a timeline that tracks their efforts and reveals simply how a lot these two males contributed to the Resistance and town’s eventual liberation.
Their lives information you thru key moments of the warfare, making the expertise each private and deeply historic.
Jean Moulin
Jean Moulin was a key determine within the French Resistance. A French civil servant, he grew to become the primary President of the Nationwide Council of the Resistance throughout WWII.
His function was essential in unifying varied resistance teams throughout France, making them a extra formidable power towards the German occupation. Moulin was captured by the Nazis, tortured, and finally died on a prepare sure for Germany.
Général Leclerc
Général Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque was a Free-French basic throughout WWII. He performed a big function within the liberation of France, main his troops within the Battle of Normandy earlier than advancing to liberate Paris.
His efforts had been instrumental within the eventual defeat of the Nazi forces within the French capital.
The Bunker of the Liberation Museum
The situation of the Paris Resistance Museum wasn’t chosen by likelihood. Within the last weeks earlier than the Liberation of Paris, the French Resistance labored from deep underground—actually.
They turned components of the catacombs into a completely operational bunker, geared up with cellphone strains and emergency turbines, to plan and coordinate their subsequent strikes towards the Nazis. The museum as it’s at the moment lies straight above the bunker.
This secret hideout, positioned round 100 steps beneath Place Denfert-Rochereau and the museum, was off-limits to the general public for years. Nonetheless, it was restored and opened for visits when the museum was inaugurated in 2019.
My Tip: Ebook the go to to the bunker proper once you enter. It’s free, however spots are very restricted and on a primary come first served foundation.
Between my first and second visits, the museum additionally modernized the expertise. They now offer you digital actuality glasses, permitting you to see how life operated within the bunker throughout WWII.
It’s an immersive glimpse into the day by day actuality of the Resistance as they orchestrated key operations that helped liberate Paris. Throughout my final go to, I introduced my youthful son alongside and he beloved it. It was certainly very participating.
General, exploring this bunker provides one other dimension to the museum, making historical past really feel extra alive than ever. Particularly realizing that you just’re standing on the unique grounds.
Sensible Data
In case you determine to go to, it is advisable head to the 14th Arrondissement. Despite the fact that this isn’t within the heart of Paris, chances are high excessive that you can be round when visiting Paris. That’s as a result of the well-known Catacombs are simply throughout the road.
However opposite to this highly regarded sight of Paris, you possibly can count on little or no ready time on the Liberation of Paris Museum, if any in any respect.
Opening Occasions: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to six PM. Final entry is at 5:30 PM, and exhibit rooms shut at 5:35 PM.
Handle: 4, Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris.
Entry: The closest Metro and prepare station is Place Denfert-Rochereau, served by Metro Strains 4 and 6, and RER B.
Admission: Each the museum and the bunker are free. No reservations are wanted for the museum, however for the bunker, it’s essential to enroll at reception. Excursions of the bunker run a number of occasions a day, with slots each half-hour throughout my go to.
Go to Period: Anticipate to spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring each the museum and the bunker.
Accessibility: The museum is absolutely accessible, however the bunker shouldn’t be (there’s no elevator). For these unable to go to the bunker, a digital 360° tour is accessible on a desk
Extra Ideas: Discover the Neighborhood
In case you’re already within the space, take the prospect to discover a lesser-known, non-touristy aspect of Paris. Listed below are a couple of of my favourite spots as an area on this neighborhood
Rue Daguerre: Pedestrian road lined up with cafés, eating places, and loads of grocery shops and delis.
The Catacombs: Paris’s largest graveyard and hottest attraction.
Le Petite Ceinture: An deserted railway belt that bought become a hidden, lush city strolling path. (learn extra: La Petite Ceinture: Uncover Paris’ Deserted Railway (+ Insider Ideas)
The Vanves Flea Market: A vibrant market stuffed with classic treasures and antiques for discount hunters. (learn extra: Vanves Flea Market – A Hidden Gem for Classic Followers)
Rue des Thermopyles: A picturesque, ivy-covered road good for a peaceable stroll and charming images.
The Parc Georges Brassens with the vintage guide market: A serene park with a weekend market providing uncommon books and literary finds.
Wrap up: Why Go to the Paris Resistance Museum?
The Paris Resistance Museum is a necessary cease for anybody seeking to perceive Paris’ WWII historical past. By the tales of Jean Moulin and Basic Leclerc, mixed with an immersive tour of the underground Resistance bunkers, the museum affords a strong glimpse into the combat for liberation.
With free entry, fascinating displays, and digital actuality experiences, it’s a budget-friendly, significant exercise within the 14th arrondissement.
Situated close to Place Denfert-Rochereau, it’s good to pair with close by sights just like the Catacombs or a stroll alongside Rue Daguerre. Make sure to take your time and take up the historical past of this hidden gem of Paris.
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
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Should-Haves for Paris:
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