- History and visit to the Shoah Memorial in Paris
- Curiosities around the Shoah Memorial
- Transfer to the Shoah Memorial in Paris
History and visit to the Shoah Memorial in Paris
Paris is a city that fascinates tourists with its shops, restaurants and historic architectural monuments, sources of various attractions. The Second World War, having deeply marked the history of France, left behind testimonies of these difficult periods for humanity, among which the Shoah Memorial stands out, located rue Geoffroy-l’Asnier, in the Marais district, in the 4th arrondissement. Formerly, this place marked the grave of an unknown Jewish martyr. The new memorial, inaugurated by President Jacques Chirac in 2005, stands on the site of the old one, erected in 1956 by architects Alexandre Persitz, Georges Goldberg and Léon Arretche. It is easily accessible via the Pont Marie, Hôtel de Ville and Saint-Paul metro stations, as well as by bus lines no. 67, 69, 76 and 96.
The Shoah Memorial pays tribute to the 6 million Jews exterminated by the Nazi regime during the Second World War, as well as the 76,000 people deported from Paris to concentration camps. It also stores valuable information about victims. As the largest center in Europe dedicated to preserving the history of the genocide of the Jews, the memorial offers visitors the opportunity to pass through a massive, armored gate, evoking the experiences of the victims of the genocide. The visit allows you to discover significant places such as the wall of names, the wall of the righteous, the crypt, the tomb, the Vichy police archives, the children’s memorial, the permanent exhibition and the bookstore. A large bronze cylinder in the courtyard engraves the names of victims of the Warsaw ghetto and the main concentration camps. A sculptural relief of seven memorial plaques, added in 1982 by artist Arbit Blatas, symbolizes the Holocaust.
Today, the Shoah Memorial in Paris is more than a monument; it is a lively place offering reading rooms, conference rooms, an education center, temporary and permanent exhibitions, a bookstore and a café. Recognized as an essential site for anyone interested in history, it offers rich documentation on the massacre of the Jews, testifying to the cruelty of this event. Visiting the Memorial is an emotionally intense experience, attracting those who seek to learn and remember this terrible history, in order to ensure that such events never happen again.
Curiosities around the Shoah Memorial
Le Marais, this emblematic district of Paris, is rich in discoveries and history. Among its gems, the Place des Vosges stands out as a true oasis of tranquility, while Victor Hugo’s house offers a captivating insight into the writer’s life. Nearby, the Center Pompidou, with its avant-garde architecture, offers a fascinating immersion in contemporary art. The Synagogue of rue Pavée, a major work by Hector Guimard, illustrates the deep Jewish cultural imprint in the city.
In the mazes of the Marais, designer boutiques, art galleries and restaurants offering flavors from around the world enliven the streets, transforming each walk into an endless adventure. To immerse yourself in the exploration of this neighborhood is to embrace a journey through time, from Jewish history to modern artistic expression, all wrapped in an absolutely unique atmosphere.
Transfer to the Shoah Memorial in Paris
Make your visit to the Shoah Memorial easier with our private shuttle service, available from the main Paris airports. Whether you are coming from Orly, Roissy Charles de Gaulle or Beauvais, we offer you a comfortable and respectful transfer to this emblematic site, located in the heart of Paris. Our commitment is to accompany you on this memorial journey with the dignity and respect that this historic visit requires.