Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, Paris

Name: Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation
Address: Square de l'Ile de France, Paris, 75004, France
Telephone: +33 1 46 33 87 56

#185 among attractions in Paris

Memorial, Historical place, Memorial site

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Map

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Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, Paris

Facts and practical information

Nestled at the eastern tip of the Île de la Cité in Paris, the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation offers a poignant tribute to the more than 200,000 French victims who were deported by the Vichy government to Nazi concentration camps during World War II. This deeply moving memorial, often overlooked by tourists in favor of the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral, is a solemn and essential site for those wishing to understand the darker chapters of French history.

The memorial was inaugurated in 1962 by then-President Charles de Gaulle and designed by architect Georges-Henri Pingusson to evoke the oppression and suffering of the deportees. Visitors descend into the site, symbolizing the descent into the camps. The space is intentionally narrow and confined, leading to a dimly lit chamber with a single flickering flame, mirroring the isolation and despair experienced by the victims.

A crypt contains the remains of an unknown deportee, brought back from the camp at Neustadt. Along the walls, 200,000 glass crystals reflect the light, representing each of the deported souls. Inscriptions and excerpts from poems and texts offer contemplation and remembrance.

The Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation is not only a place of memory but also serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities of war and the importance of human rights. It is a place that invites reflection and offers a solemn experience for visitors, away from the bustling city.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 48°51'6"N, 2°21'9"E

Address

Square de l'Ile de FranceHôtel-de-Ville (Notre Dame)Paris 75004 France

Contact

+33 1 46 33 87 56

Website

Social media

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Paris

Day trips

Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Notre-Dame de Paris, Charlemagne et ses Leudes, Shakespeare and Company, Pont de l'Archevêché.

~950 ftNW
Iconic Gothic church with literary link
Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris
5 min walk • The Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, also known as Notre-Dame, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has towered over the Ile de la Cité in the heart of Paris for centuries. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is not only a place of religious...
~1110 ftNW
Monuments and statues
Charlemagne et ses Leudes, Paris
6 min walk • Charlemagne et ses Leudes, also known as the statue of Charlemagne and His Guards, is a notable monument located in the heart of Paris, just outside the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. This impressive bronze statue pays tribute to one of Europe's most significant...
~1310 ftW
Shopping, Bookshop
Shakespeare and Company, Paris
7 min walk • Shakespeare and Company is an iconic English-language bookstore opened in 1951 by George Whitman, located on Paris's Left Bank. The store was named after Sylvia Beach's bookstore of the same name founded in 1919 on the Left Bank, which closed in 1941. Whitman adopted the "Shakespeare and Company" name for his store in 1964.
~240 ftSW
Bridge
Pont de l'Archevêché, Paris
2 min walk • The Pont de l'Archevêché, nestled in the heart of Paris, is an arch bridge that offers a unique charm and a touch of romance, making it a must-visit for couples and history enthusiasts alike. Located near the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the bridge spans the Seine...
~1000 ftW
Bridge
Pont au Double, Paris
5 min walk • The Pont au Double is a charming arch bridge that spans the Seine River in the heart of Paris, France. Connecting the 4th arrondissement, on the Right Bank, with the Île de la Cité, this bridge is not only a conduit for pedestrians but also a historical landmark with...
~1110 ftN
Park
Federico García Lorca Garden, Paris
6 min walk • Nestled in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, the Federico García Lorca Garden offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. Named after the renowned Spanish poet and playwright, this charming garden is a tribute to Lorca's literary legacy and his connection...
~850 ftSE
Bridge, Historical place
Pont de la Tournelle, Paris
5 min walk • Spanning the Seine River in the heart of Paris, the Pont de la Tournelle is an elegant arch bridge that offers both historical charm and picturesque views. Connecting the 4th and 5th arrondissements, this bridge is a lesser-known yet delightful spot for tourists...
~370 ftN
Bridge
Pont Saint-Louis, Paris
2 min walk • The pont Saint-Louis is a bridge across the River Seine in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. It links the Île de la Cité with the Île Saint-Louis.
~800 ftNW
Church
Cathedral of Saint Etienne, Paris
4 min walk • The Basilica and Cathedral of Saint-Étienne in Paris, on the Île de la Cité, was an early Christian church that preceded Notre-Dame de Paris. It was built in the 4th or 5th century, directly in front of the location of the modern cathedral, and just 250 meters from the royal palace.
~910 ftNE
Bridge
Pont Louis Philippe, Paris
5 min walk • The Pont Louis-Philippe is a bridge across the River Seine in Paris. It is located in the 4th arrondissement, and it links the Quai de Bourbon on the Île Saint-Louis with the Saint-Gervais neighborhood on the right bank.
~1280 ftW
Gothic architecture, Church, Romanesque architecture
Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, Paris
7 min walk • Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, in full Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, is a Melkite Greek Catholic parish church in Paris, France, and one of the city's oldest religious buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation open?

Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation is open:

Monday closed
Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation?

Nearby attractions include Pont de l'Archevêché, Paris (2 min walk), Pont Saint-Louis, Paris (2 min walk), Musée de l'Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris (3 min walk), Port de la Tournelle, Paris (4 min walk).

How to get to Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation by public transport?

The nearest stations to Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation:

Bus

Pont de l'Archevêché • Lines: 75, 87 (2 min walk)
Quai aux Fleurs-Pont Saint-Louis • Lines: 75 (2 min walk)

Ferry

Notre-Dame • Lines: Batobus (3 min walk)
Hôtel-de-Ville • Lines: Batobus (6 min walk)

Metro

Maubert - Mutualité • Lines: 10 (6 min walk)
Pont Marie • Lines: 7 (6 min walk)

Train

Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (9 min walk)
Luxembourg (19 min walk)