Resistance and Deportation History Centre (Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation) Tours and Activities

After Northern France fell to the Nazis, Lyon became the seat of the French Resistance. Information, arms, and supplies flowed across the mountains and into the city, where the nation's bravest freedom fighters plotted liberation. The Nazis were not amused, and in spring 1943 occupied the city with horrific intent. The infamous Klaus Barbie, "Butcher of Lyon," installed his Gestapo forces here.

Today, this former military hospital and seat of malevolence has been been transformed into the moving Resistance and Deportation History Centre (Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation), a must-see for anyone interested in the era. It documents Lyon's dark est hours with dignity, using photographs and evocative exhibits, such as the vehicles used to deport Jews and other undesirables, and excerpts from Barbie's trial for crimes against humanity.

Multilingual audio guides make it accessible to anyone.