Visit Colonel Rol-Tanguy’s command post during the Liberation of Paris

L'abri de défense passive du Colonel Rol Tanguy

We currently have a large number of visitors wanting to visit the command post, but to ensure the safety of visitors, opportunities for access are very limited.
We apologize in advance if time slots are full when you come.
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Located twenty meters under the museum, the command post used during the Liberation by Colonel Henri Rol, head of the FFI in Ile de France, is open to the public for the first time. Open visits or an innovative tour in mixed reality are proposed for an exceptional visitor experience, in the midst of the events of August 1944. Be sure to take note of the access conditions for this atypical site before you make your visit.

Accessibility

Duration of visit: 30 min

So that a maximum number of visitors can discover this exceptional site, the visit is limited to 30 minutes.
100 steps
The command post is located twenty meters underground and can be accessed only by a stairway with nearly 100 steps. Please note that the stairway is very steep and that you’ll need enough breath to climb back up!

Groups

Rol-Tanguy’s command post visit is currently not available for group reservation

Access restrictions

The command post is not accessible to the disabled because of site constraints.
We strongly discourage visits by: 
- the disabled,
- individuals with cardiac or respiratory insufficiency,
- individuals suffering from claustrophobia. 

Making the visit in mixed reality

The reservation of a visit in mixed reality will enable you to immerse yourself in a unique experience. 
This tour option is available for visitors and groups, with a maximum of ten participants per visit.
The goggles are not appropriate for children under 12.

Cloakroom

Descending with luggage or bulky bags is not allowed; they must be left in the museum cloakroom.

Photos without flash

Only photos without flash may be taken to ensure the comfort of all visitors.

Temperature

The temperature is approximately 16°C and the humidity rate is 100% in this subterranean area.

Following the Liberation of Paris from Colonel Rol-Tanguy’s CP

Starting in 1935, public authorities began to fear toxic bombardments of the capital. They prepared the installation of passive defense shelters. Under the current Museum and the West Pavilion on Place Denfert-Rochereau, a shelter was built to protect the public services of the Paris administration and ensure their operation in case of attack. 
It was never used for this purpose, but the shelter became a nerve center for the Liberation of Paris in August 1944. From August 20-28, 1944, Henri Tanguy, alias Colonel Rol, who was head of the FFI in the Paris area, installed his headquarters there. From this command post, operational orders were given for the Paris insurrection.

 

Reservations can only be made on-site in person at the museum entrance, on the day of your visit.
The number of places is very limited.

  • Self-guided visit 

    After an explanation of how the shelter worked, visitors will discover Colonel Rol-Tanguy’s command post.
    Duration of visit: 30 min
    Rate: free of charge

  • Mixed reality visit

    The underground FFI command headquarters comes to life and reveals its history with the help of HoloLens goggles. Guided by an FFI resistant, you will find yourself at the center of the action in an innovative, immersive visit to the events of August 1944.

    Please note that this device is not appropriate for children under fourteen.
    Duration of visit: 45 min (approximately 20 min of mixed reality experience)
    Rate: free of charge during the Museum’s opening month

Reservations can only be made on-site in person at the museum entrance, on the day of your visit.
The number of places is very limited.

  • Self-guided visit 

    After an explanation of how the shelter worked, visitors will discover Colonel Rol-Tanguy’s command post.
     
    Duration of visit: 30 min
    Rate: free of charge

  • Mixed reality visit

    The underground FFI command headquarters comes to life and reveals its history with the help of HoloLens goggles. Guided by an FFI resistant, you will find yourself at the center of the action in an innovative, immersive visit to the events of August 1944.

    Please note that this device is not appropriate for children under fourteen.
    Duration of visit: 45 min (approximately 20 min of mixed reality experience)
    Rate: free of charge during the Museum’s opening month

Because of the large number of visitors wanting to visit Rol-Tanguy’s command post, this visit is currently not available for group reservation.

  • Self-guided visit 
    After an explanation of how the shelter worked, visitors will discover Colonel Rol-Tanguy’s command post.
     
    Group maximum of 18 participants
    Duration of visit: 30 min
    Rate: free of charge