Mont-Valérien

A medieval place of worship and then a military fortress in the 19th century, Mont Valérien became during the Second World War the main execution site used by the German army in France. Inside the fortifications, more than a thousand people, resistance fighters, hostages, Jews or communists were shot between 1941 and 1944. Today, in the chapel, one can still see the traces of graffiti engraved by the convicts, testimonies of their last moments as well as the execution posts shredded by bullets.

A monument to remember

After the liberation of Paris, General de Gaulle chose to honour the national memory by building a monument dedicated to the victims of the 1939-1945 war on Mont-Valérien, a symbol of resistance and fighting in France. On the immense outer wall of the esplanade, 16 bronze high reliefs represent the 16 people who died for France and who are buried in the crypt illustrating the struggle against the enemy. They embrace a monumental Lorraine cross, symbol of Free France.

Dedicated to preserving the history and memory of the Second World War, Mont-Valérien offers free guided and theatrical tours of the memorial as well as conferences and temporary exhibitions. Many commemorations are also celebrated every year.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris, relive the history of the Second World War in Paris Region.