- History and visit Memorial of the Martyrs of the Deportation
- Discover the surroundings of Memorial of the Martyrs of the Deportation in Paris
- Shuttle transfer to Martyrs Memorial of the Deportation in Paris
History and visit Memorial of the Martyrs of the Deportation
The Memorial of the Martyrs of the Deportation, nestled in Paris’s 4th district and bordered by the Ile de la Cité to the east and the Square of the Ile de France to the west, stands as a poignant tribute to the individuals deported from France between 1941 and 1944 during the Nazi regime. Officially classified as a French historical monument on 23 November 2007, this memorial encapsulates the collective memory of the nation’s suffering and resilience. Entrusted to the City of Paris on 29 February 1964 by the French Network Remembrance, the architectural project was led by Georges-Henri Pingusson, with its inauguration presided over by President Charles de Gaulle on 12 April 1962.
The memorial’s design, while not adhering to a specific architectural style, captures the essence of remembrance through its thoughtful construction. The entrance is marked by unevenly spaced stairs, leading to a monument built entirely of concrete with gravel from various parts of France embedded within its walls, symbolizing national unity in mourning. At its core, a corridor lined with over 200,000 glass rods honors each deported individual, protected by a grid to preserve their memory. Additionally, a vault holds remains transferred from the Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp, further cementing its role as a sacred site of remembrance.
Discover the surroundings of Memorial of the Martyrs of the Deportation in Paris
Set at the quiet eastern tip of Île de la Cité, the Memorial of the Martyrs of the Deportation invites a moment of silence between the river’s two branches. After reflecting inside, step into Square de l’Île-de-France for calm views of the Seine and the graceful curve of Pont de l’Archevêché. A few steps west brings you to Notre-Dame’s parvis and the Archaeological Crypt beneath it, where Roman and medieval layers of Paris are revealed. Continue along the island’s spine to Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic gem whose soaring colored glass floods the chapel with jewel-like light, and to the Conciergerie, the former royal palace turned Revolutionary-era prison. Northward, Place Dauphine hides behind a stone gateway near Pont Neuf; its chestnut trees, artists, and pétanque games capture a village-like pause in the very center of the city. Between stops, linger on the quays for reflections of bridges and bell towers that change with the hour.
Cross Pont Saint-Louis to Île Saint-Louis for 17th-century townhouses, intimate churches, and cafés famed for ice cream and river views. On the Left Bank, Shakespeare and Company, Square René-Viviani, and the Latin Quarter’s bookstalls keep the neighborhood’s literary spirit alive, while the Jardin Tino-Rossi’s open-air sculptures trace the curve of the Seine toward the Austerlitz quays. Flower lovers can browse the historic Marché aux Fleurs near Cité station, and photographers will find dusk especially magical from the bridges flanking the memorial. Transport is straightforward—Métro Cité and Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (RER) are a short walk—but if you are arriving with luggage or late at night, simplify your approach by reserving a private shuttle from Orly Airport. With island gardens, royal relics, hidden squares, and riverside promenades all within minutes, the surroundings of the memorial weave Paris’s most enduring stories into a compact, contemplative stroll.
Shuttle transfer to Martyrs Memorial of the Deportation in Paris
The Memorial of the Martyrs of the Deportation, located within easy reach from major Parisian airports—19 km from Orly, 33 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle, and 88 km from Beauvais Airport—offers visitors convenient access to this poignant historical site. When traveling from CDG, consider the various transportation options. While taxis provide a direct route, their cost might be prohibitive. Public transport like the RER and metro are more economical but challenging with heavy luggage or post-flight fatigue.
Given these considerations, the shuttle service appears as an excellent choice, balancing cost and convenience. It avoids the high taxi fares and the complexity of public transportation. For a hassle-free journey, opt for a direct shuttle from CDG, ensuring a smooth transition to your hotel. Alternatively, visitors arriving from Orly may benefit from a dedicated Orly service. For those interested in exploring beyond, consider a transfer to Parisian landmarks.