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Free tour

See the sights and hear the stories of French resistance in Dijon (WW2)

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Duration: 3 hours
Languages: English
Guru: Timo
Registered on 6 May 2025
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I'm passionate about telling the stories of the French resistance in WW2. Dijon was an important regional administrative capital for the German occupation and some of the citizens of Dijon were among the very first people to engage in the 'French resistance', nationally. There's drama (and tragedy) on every street! Every event and character we talk about has been carefully researched and the history of occupation , resistance and liberation will unfold through the stops on our walking tour through the beautiful city of Dijon. From the 'debacle' of the catastrophic defeat in 1940 , to the pioneers and development of resistance and eventually on to liberation after 4 long years under German occupation. Veterans always insist that these stories must be passed on!
Free reservation and cancellation
Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

The only walking tour that explores the history of Dijon during World War II

This is a special interest tour where our focus will be entirely on the years of German occupation 1940 - 44.

We start off with a brief introduction to the subject of the 'French resistance' in general where I'll explain the background and the main developments of resistance in the context of the wider war events. This introduction will be presented on the park benches in the quiet surroundings of the 'Jardin de l'Arquebuse' botanical gardens. 

We'll then set off on a ~2.5 hr walk through the city of Dijon itself, stopping off en route to talk about specific events, the people involved and the locations pertinent to our story of the resistance. We'll stand at the exact spots and hear some incredible tales of courage, sacrifice and cruelty along the way. Historic photos will help put faces to our stories.

From Dijon train station we'll walk past some of the main tourist sites such as the Cathédrale St Benigne, then on up to the Rue de la Liberté, and the 'Palais des Ducs' before finding a location just passed the Eglise Saint-Michel; we'll then double back and finish on the Place de la Libération. 

Given the subject matter, some people may find these true life stories difficult to hear. There's drama, bravery and, inevitably, tragedy. I'm conscious of not making 'entertainment' out of these stories, but veterans invariably insist that these (their) stories must be told! 


Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:
Muséum d'histoire naturelle, 1 Av. Albert 1er, 21000 Dijon, France
Exit Dijon gare (railway station) on the south side opposite the main concourse, via the 'Passage Vincenot'. The entrance to the 'Parc Arquebuse' is directly opposite this station exit (across the road) and I'll meet you at the bottom of the steps in the parc itself (there are benches there). I'll be carrying a small backpack and hat..and looking suspicious ;).
1
Outside visit
Gare de Dijon Ville
2
Outside visit
Rue Docteur Chaussier
3
Outside visit
Jardin Botanique de l'Arquebuse
Tour map

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).


Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Not suitable for bringing pets.

What should I know?

Minimum attendees
Does not require a minimum number of people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Cash payment only.
See the sights and hear the stories of French resistance in Dijon (WW2)
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