Historial Charles de Gaulle

Visit

Historial Charles de Gaulle

The Charles de Gaulle Historial presents the story of a man whose life is closely linked to the liberation of France. The museum uses high-tech multimedia equipment to unfold the career path of the general and help visitors understand the extent of Charles de Gaulle’s stamp on the history of France.

Located in the heart of l’Hôtel des Invalides, part to the Army museum, a specific area is devoted to Charles de Gaulle. De Gaulle was the mouthpiece of the French citizens who didn’t accept the defeat of France in spring 1940. The Resistance in France and the Allied Governments saw him progressively as the true and sole leader of France.

On 25 August 1944, de Gaulle drove across Paris which had just been liberated. He was then at the head of the Provisional Government of the French Republic (Gouvernement Provisoire de la République Française). The day after, his triumphal parade on the Champs-Élysées showed how popular he had become in the public eye. Thanks to de Gaulle, France not only regained its sovereignty but also its republican and democratic identity compromised by the collaboration of the Vichy government.

The Charles de Gaulle Historial was inaugurated in 2008. The museum consists of a multimedia room with high-tech equipment. Five screens enable visitors to watch a 20 minute film unfolding the major historical events Charles de Gaulle was involved in. Visitors can also listen to a synchronized audio guide and use multimedia and interactive devices to delve deeper into a subject.

Historial Charles de Gaulle

Related Experiences

Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque

In the desperate days of June 1940 captain Philippe de Hauteclocque made his way to London and adopted the war-name of “Leclerc”. As a great tactician and outstanding leader, he enjoyed a blistering career. His name and that of his 2nd Armored Division are associated with the liberation of Paris in August 1944.

Liberation of Paris

The liberation of Paris didn’t have Allied priority, but an uprising of the population against the Germans on 19 August made it necessary. Thus the 2nd French Armoured Division was sent to Paris and entered the city on 24 August. On 26 August a huge triumphal parade was held on the Champs-Élysées.

France

On your journey across France’s different regions, from the seaside of Normandy to the warmth of the south, you will find countless WWII-related sites, be they iconic or unsuspected. During WWII, France was occupied for four years until the liberation

Paris and Île-de-France

The Nazi occupation of Paris during WWII was a tormented time in French history. When the war came to an end, the liberation of the French capital on August 25, 1944, became a very strong symbol. Nowadays, you will find

Museum of the Order of the Liberation

The Museum of the Order of the Liberation in Paris documents the history of the Free French Forces, the government-in-exile led by General Charles de Gaulle during WWII. The permanent exhibition presents more than 2,000 pieces retracing the journey of the Companions. The exhibit features three galleries: Free France, The Inner Resistance, and The Deportation.

Champs Élysées: Liberation parade (statue of De Gaulle)

A statue of General Charles de Gaulle stands near the Champs Elysées in Paris, France. During the Second World War, the German forces in Paris surrendered on August 25, 1944. The next day de Gaulle paraded on the Champs-Elysées.

George Dukson

After the Allied outbreak from Normandy in August 1944 the population of Paris decided that it was time to try to liberate their city themselves. As the French resistance organised a rebellion against the German occupiers, the Allied forces decided to intervene. George Dukson, 22 years old, was part of this resistance.

View all

Learn about the History