Heritage Days 2025: the program at the Memorial to the Martyrs of the Deportation

On the occasion of the Journées du Patrimoine 2025, discover the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, a place of remembrance located on the Île de la Cité in Paris. Immerse yourself in the history of the deportees of the Second World War, and take advantage of this poignant, free tour, exceptionally open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21, 2025. A not-to-be-missed event for all history and heritage enthusiasts.

The Journées du Patrimoine are back in 2025, offering another opportunity to discover France's cultural and historical treasures. During these two days, monuments, museums and other remarkable sites open their doors (for the most part) free of charge to the general public. It's the perfect opportunity to visit places that are often closed the rest of the year, and to immerse yourself in the history and architecture of our country. One of the emblematic sites not to be missed this year is the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation, a poignant tribute to the victims of the Second World War.

Located on theIle de la Cité in Paris, the Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation was inaugurated in 1962. The monument, designed by architect Georges-Henri Pingusson, is dedicated to the 200,000 French deportees who were sent to Nazi concentration camps between 1940 and 1945. With its sober, symbolic architecture, it immerses visitors in an atmosphere of contemplation and reflection. The long, narrow, dark stone corridor leads to a crypt where an eternal flame burns in tribute to the victims, reminding us of the importance of collective memory.

This site, less well known than other Parisian monuments, offers a visit imbued with gravity and emotion. It's the perfect opportunity to discover a place steeped in history, while paying tribute to those who suffered during one of humanity's darkest periods. Take advantage of these Heritage Days to immerse yourself in this essential page of our history, and let this place remind you of the importance of memory and peace.