Place Denfert-Rochereau, the museum of the Liberation of Paris - General Leclerc museum - Jean Moulin museum
This brand new museum was opened on 25 August 2019, for the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris. Located on the Place Denfert-Rochereau, above Colonel Rol-Tanguy's command post (open to visitors for the first time), it offers to relive this crucial period of history through the daily life of Parisians under the Occupation and the career of two Resistance fighters: Jean Moulin and General Leclerc.
View from Nicolas Ledoux Square to the Museum of the Liberation of Paris
20 metres underground, Colonel Rol-Tanguy's command post
Built in 1938 in anticipation of bombing and gas attacks, this shelter was finally used by Colonel Rol-Tanguy, head of the French Forces of the Interior of the Paris region.
On 18 August 1944, despite the absence of Allied troops, he officially launched the call for insurrection from his underground headquarters on behalf of the FFI. It was from here that the operations during the Battle of Paris were directed.
99 steps to reach this former passive defence shelter
To walk through Colonel Rol-Tanguy's command post, located 20 metres underground, you not only need breath and good legs, but also a 30-minute visit. Reservations can only be made once at the museum. A word of advice: come at the opening and sign up at the time of your choice.
Box of Jean Moulin's pastels
Jean Moulin was an excellent draughtsman and caricaturist.
Portrait of Antoinette Sasse, late 1930s
"A friend for all occasions...", the museum reads. Born in 1897 in Paris into a wealthy family, she developed her talent for music and painting. Divorced, she led a free life. In 1936, she met Jean Moulin. Their affair became a friendship, and more. When the German troops approached in June 1940, Antoinette helped Jean move out of his flat at 26, rue des Plantes. As a member of the Gilbert network, she assisted the former prefect in his clandestine activities until their last meeting in Lyon on 7 April 1943, a few weeks before Moulin was arrested.
A play dedicated to Philippe de Hautecloque, who became General "Leclerc" during the war
Cane that belonged to General Leclerc de Hauteclocque, 1939-1945
Philippe de Hauteclocque did not have a limp, but he needed to establish his authority, hence this famous attribute.
Plaque of twenty-four Lorraine cross buttons, 1944
Tricolour dress decorated with Parisian monuments, 26 August 1944
Marguerite Doumeng was born in 1914 in Toulouse. She graduated in English and went to Britain in 1936. She married Edmond Sabaut in 1937 and lived in Paris in the 19th arrondissement. As the Liberation approached, this mother made a blue-white-red dress in the hope of wearing it soon. On 26 August 1944, she was finally able to wear it during the parade on the Champs-Elysées with her earrings and her bag with the Lorraine cross.
Practical information
Located on Place Denfert-Rochereau (Paris 14th), the Liberation of Paris Museum - General Leclerc Museum - Jean Moulin Museum is free of charge and open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. To visit Colonel Rol-Tanguy's command post, located 20 metres below ground, you must reserve a 30-minute visit. Reservations can only be made once at the museum. A word of advice: come at the opening and sign up at the time of your choice.