Paris France is liberated by Allied troops

After more than 4 years of Nazi occupation, Paris was liberated on Aug. 25 1944 by the French 2nd Armored Division and the U.S. 4th Infantry Division.

German resistance was light, and General Dietrich von Choltitz, commander of the German garrison, defied an order by Adolf Hitler to blow up Paris' landmarks and burn the city to the ground before its liberation. His disobedience spared the “City of Light”!

Choltitz signed a formal surrender that afternoon, and on August 26, Free French General Charles de Gaulle led a joyous liberation march down the Champs d'Elysees.

Today Paris is a wonderful world class city with plenty of art, culture, shopping, dining, history and more.

Paris is a great locale to use as your base when you are out exploring the French countryside on day trips.

There is a wonderful excursion over to the D-Day beaches and the Normandy region.

“Viva la France!”

Contact your local travel agent and discover how you can plan a history oriented French vacation.