WW2 Dijon: Resistance, Occupation & Liberation

Walk the streets where ordinary citizens became members of the French Resistance. Discover hidden locations, real escape networks and remarkable true stories from four years of German occupation

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 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!