at 23 February 2020
Valérie Pécresse, President of the Paris region, together with the Paris Region Tourst Board, invites visitors to discover a tourist trail in the footsteps of General de Gaulle, through places of remembrance throughout Paris region.
This journey in 13 stages is part of the various celebrations dedicated to him on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the fighting in the French campaign, the Appeal of 18 June, the creation of Free France, as well as the anniversaries of his birth and death (1890-1970).
This new journey begins at the Historial Charles de Gaulle, for a meeting with the great freedom fighter but also the politician, president of a France on the move, in a turbulent 20th century. It is in this interactive and immersive memorial, built like an invisible monument in the basement of the musée de l'Armée, that the thread of Charles de Gaulle's story unfolds.
It is in the prestigious setting of the Hôtel national des Invalides that the Museum of the Order of Liberation tells the story of the Compagnons of the Libération and that of its founder and Grand Master, in a room entirely dedicated to him.
In particular, an exceptional collection of French and foreign medals and decorations can be seen there. With 93 decorations, General de Gaulle is one of the most decorated personalities in the world and the most distinguished Frenchman abroad.
He is also the only Head of State to have created three distinctions: the Order of Liberation, the Resistance Medal and the National Order of Merit.
The Liberation of Paris, General Leclerc Museum, rich in priceless collections, tells the story of the Parisian Resistance, that of Jean Moulin and all those anonymous people who fought for their freedom. And that of General de Gaulle who inspired their fight.
Mont-Valérien is a place of emotionally charged memory, sadly associated with the history of Paris during the Second World War and dedicated to the dead of the 1939-1945 war.
The Memorial of Fighting France was inaugurated on 18 June 1960 by General de Gaulle.
Intended by Napoleon Ist to glorify his soldiers and his victorious campaigns, the Arc de Triomphe, beyond the historical dimension, remains one of the most emblematic monuments of Paris and the privileged witness of the great events which made and still make the History of France. Welcomed in victory by Parisians who had just been freed from the yoke of the occupying forces, General de Gaulle took refuge on 26 August 1944 in front of the tomb of the unknown soldier, this brave among the brave, who died during the First World War.
After solemnly rekindling the flame, he walked down the Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the cheers of the crowd.
To celebrate this event, a statue of General de Gaulle, created by Jean Cardot, was erected on the initiative of the Association des Français Libres near the Grand Palais.
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