Paris WWII: Occupation & Liberation Exploration Game and Tour

Discover Paris’s WWII Occupation & Liberation with an Interactive Tour

If you’re looking for a way to explore Paris’s WWII history without the usual museum crowds or guided tour crowds, this Paris WWII: Occupation & Liberation Exploration Game and Tour might be just what you need. Priced at around $9.54 per person, it’s an affordable and flexible option that combines storytelling with sightseeing through an engaging app experience.

What immediately caught our eye about this tour are two standout features: First, it’s completely app-based, meaning you can go at your own pace and avoid large group crowds. Second, it’s interactive, blending a scavenger-hunt style game with historical education—adding an element of fun to learning about a serious subject. However, a potential consideration is that there’s no guide or included attraction tickets, so you’ll want to be comfortable navigating some sites on your own.

This experience suits history enthusiasts or curious travelers who enjoy self-guided adventures and want a deeper understanding of Paris during WWII. If you’re traveling with kids who enjoy puzzles or interactive stories, this might even be a hit. But if you prefer guided storytelling or detailed museum visits, it might not fill all your needs. Still, for those who like a mix of sightseeing and a bit of a challenge, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Self-guided and app-based, so you control the pace and timing
• Affordable price point with value for money considering the interactive experience
• Focus on WWII history with visits to iconic and less-known sites
• Includes 24/7 customer support for any questions or issues
• No entrance fees needed for stops, but some attractions (like Jeu de Paume and Louvre) require tickets if you wish to explore inside
• Engaging for history buffs and those who enjoy interactive storytelling

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This tour offers a fresh way to see Paris’s landmarks, weaving in the stories of WWII resistance and occupation through a game format that’s accessible via your phone. It’s designed to be roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick yet meaningful exploration of the city’s WWII sites.

Starting Point: Statue du Général Charles de Gaulle

Your journey begins at the statue of Charles de Gaulle, a symbol of French resistance. Here, you receive your first clue, setting the tone for a story-driven adventure. The challenge is straightforward: solve the clue to unlock the next part of the story. The setting immediately immerses you in the historic atmosphere, and it’s an excellent way to kick off what’s to come.

Key Stops and Their Significance

• Statue de Winston Churchill: Here, you get a new clue, and the stop provides a chance to absorb the presence of two of WWII’s most iconic leaders. It’s an easy, quick stop—just about five minutes—so you can take a moment or keep moving.

• Place de la Concorde: Home to the Obélisque de Louxor, this historic square was also a site of many pivotal moments in French history. The clue here adds layers to the story, connecting the past to the wartime narrative.

• Jeu de Paume: This site played a key role during WWII, especially related to the Nazi occupation and resistance efforts. While entry tickets aren’t included, the stop itself hints at the importance of the building in the broader history, and you can explore more if you choose to go inside.

• Rue de Rivoli, Le Meurice, and Hotel Regina Louvre: These stops bring you closer to central Paris landmarks, each with clues that deepen your understanding of the resistance fighters and their heroic efforts to protect the city.

• Musée du Louvre: While entry is not included, the Louvre’s exterior and surroundings are steeped in history, and it’s a natural point to reflect on the cultural resilience of Paris during wartime.

• Pont des Arts & Pont Neuf: These bridges are among the most picturesque in Paris and are linked to stories of hope, resilience, and escape during WWII. The clues here tie the story of resistance to the city’s iconic architecture.

• Quai de Montebello: The tour ends here, wrapping up the narrative and giving you a chance to linger and reflect on the story and your exploration.

What Makes It Worthwhile

The real strength of this experience is the blend of storytelling and sightseeing. Each stop is carefully chosen to tie into the WWII resistance story, making the history feel alive rather than just abstract facts. We loved the way the clues encouraged us to pay attention to our surroundings, turning a typical walk into an interactive puzzle.

Practical Details and Experience

The app-based format means you don’t have to worry about scheduling or following a guide—you just follow clues at your own pace. The tour is designed for most travelers, with 24/7 customer support if you get stuck or have questions. Since no tickets are needed for most stops (except optional entries), it’s simple and flexible.

Price-wise, it’s a steal considering the quality of the experience and the fact that you’re getting both a sightseeing tour and a historical story. For just under ten dollars, you’re getting a guided-like experience without the guide’s cost, and you can customize your pace and stops.

What Could Be Better

One thing to keep in mind: the tour does not include entry tickets to places like the Jeu de Paume or the Louvre, so if you want to go inside, you’ll need to purchase those separately. Also, since there’s no guide, you’ll need to be comfortable navigating some sites on your own, which might not suit everyone.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy interactive experiences, history, or exploring at your own pace, this is a clever way to spend part of your day in Paris. It’s especially good if you’re interested in WWII and want to see both famous sites and lesser-known stories. It’s not a traditional museum or guided tour, so those seeking detailed narrative explanations might prefer something more structured, but if you like an engaging story combined with sightseeing, this tour hits that sweet spot.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most people book about 27 days in advance, but since it’s an app-based self-guided tour, you can go anytime after booking confirmation.

Are tickets to attractions included?
No, the tour does not include entry tickets to sites like Jeu de Paume or the Louvre. You can explore the exteriors or buy tickets if you want inside visits.

Is this suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the interactive nature and short stops make it potentially good for older kids or teenagers who enjoy puzzles and history stories.

What if I get lost or have questions during the tour?
Customer support is available 24/7, so help is just a message or call away if you encounter issues.

How long does the tour last?
It takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each stop.

Is this a guided experience?
No, it’s a self-guided tour. You follow clues on your phone, making it flexible but also requiring a bit of independence.

All in all, this Paris WWII exploration game offers a unique blend of history and interactive fun for those wanting to learn about the city’s wartime past while exploring at their own pace. It’s especially great for curious travelers who don’t mind a bit of self-navigation and are open to seeing Paris through a different lens. If you enjoy storytelling, history, and a bit of adventure, this could become a memorable part of your trip.