Lyon WWII and Resistance Walking Tour

Explore Lyon's history under Nazi occupation, from the Resistance and the Holocaust to the trial of Klaus Barbie. Walk through key sites connected to the city's wartime history with a private guide. Begin at the historic Place des Terreaux and Hôtel de Ville, where you’ll uncover how this city became the heart of the Resistance. Learn about the trial of Klaus Barbie, revealing the complexities of post-war justice. Experience the poignant stories of bravery and tragedy as you make your way to iconic sites such as Place Bellecour and Montluc Prison, learning about the Resistance's courageous efforts. This tour offers a deep dive into Lyon's role in WWII and is perfect for history enthusiasts. - Unravel Lyon's significant role in the Resistance during WWII - Visit key historical sites including Hôtel de Ville and Montluc Prison - Hear compelling stories of bravery, tragedy, and justice - Ideal for history buffs interested in WWII and its impact on France

1. 1

   Place des Terreaux

   10 min

   Begin your tour at Place des Terreaux and Hôtel de Ville. Learn why Lyon became the capital of the Resistance and how the Hôtel de Ville was used during the occupation. Hear about the arrival of the Germans in November 1942 and the events that took place at Place des Terreaux after liberation.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   5 min

   Continue to Rue Sainte-Catherine and learn about the Rafle, one of the most significant—and tragic—events of the Holocaust in Lyon. Hear about the Gestapo raid at 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine in Lyon's 1st arrondissement, the building that housed the offices of the Union Générale des Israélites de France (UGIF), an organization responsible for providing social assistance, food, medical care, and administrative support to Jewish refugees and families in need.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   5 min

   Next, head to the Cour d’appel de Lyon, the law court where the trial of Klaus Barbie happened. Learn about Klaus Barbie's arrest, extradition, and trial, one of the most important judicial chapters in post-war European history. Hear about his trial in 1987, the first trial in France for crimes against humanity, and how it forced the country to confront both Nazi atrocities and the role of French collaboration.

4. 4

   Place Bellecour

   5 min

   Then, visit Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe, which became a gathering place for the city’s residents at the end of German occupation in September 1944. Learn about the hidden story of the Resistance and how it worked in ordinary places.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   5 min

   Next, visit the Monument de la résistance intérieure - Veilleur de pierre, a monument that pays tribute to the French internal Resistance. Hear about the bomb that exploded in the coffee shop called Moulin à vent, at Place Bellecour, and how it was a good target to attack for the Resistance. Learn about the execution of 5 prisoners well known for their acts of resistance and how their cadavers were left in Bellecour for several days to terrorize people.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   10 min

   If open, visit Montluc Prison, built in 1921 near Fort Montluc, originally designed as a military prison after the First World War. Learn about its role during the Second World War as a place of detention for members of the Resistance, Jews, hostages, and forced labor objectors. Hear about Jean Moulin and the unification of the Resistance, the arrest of Jean Moulin, and Marc Bloch & Montluc Prison.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   5 min

   Continue to Fort de Montluc, which became part of the military and repressive apparatus surrounding Montluc Prison during World War II. Learn about its role as a tool of control and intimidation, with executions and temporary detentions occurring here, often away from public view. Hear about its continued use for military and police purposes after the war, hosting the CRS from 1949 until 1982.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   5 min

   Finally, visit the Quartier Monplaisir/Rue Viala, where the clandestine printing press of the newspaper Combat stood, a vital hub for Lyon’s Resistance. Learn about how this press produced leaflets, newspapers, and secret messages to inform and mobilize the population against the German occupation.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.