Bordeaux in the Shadow of WWII – A walk through history

Step back in time and uncover Bordeaux’s dramatic World War II history on this immersive walking tour. From the city's crucial role as a wartime port to the bravery of the Resistance and the fate of its Jewish community, we will visit key sites that reveal untold stories of courage, defiance, and survival. Highlights include Place de la Bourse, where strategic decisions shaped Bordeaux’s wartime destiny, Place des Quinconces, once a temporary seat of the fleeing Vichy government, and the haunting legacy of the Jewish community at the synagogue. As we walk through the city, you’ll hear powerful testimonies, learn about daring sabotage missions, and reflect on the choices made by individuals on both sides of history.

Highlights include: 1. Place de la Bourse – Discover Bordeaux’s strategic role as a port city before and during WWII. 2. Place des Quinconces – See the site where the fleeing Vichy government briefly settled and learn about the daring British commando raid, Operation Frankton. 3. Place de la Comédie – Hear stories of the German arrival and how occupation shaped daily life in Bordeaux. 4. Porte Dijeaux – Reflect on Bordeaux’s Jewish heritage and the community’s vital economic contributions since the Middle Ages. 5. Centre Jean Moulin – Learn about the Resistance’s clandestine efforts and acts of defiance against Nazi rule. 6. Cathedral Saint-André – The clergy’s opposition to Jewish deportations, with excerpts from their courageous letter. 7. Jewish Synagogue (exterior) – A look at the deportation of Jews and Rabbi Joseph Cohen’s controversial role. 8. Hôtel de Ville – The story of Colonel von Aulock, who refused to destroy Bordeaux, choosing love over war.