Description

This is a little-known story that we invite you to discover: the liberation of Paris by the Spanish Republican soldiers of "La Nueve." On August 24, 1944, shortly after 9 p.m., the 9th Company of the 2nd Armored Division arrived at the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). They were the first Allied forces to enter Paris in over four years. The front page of the newspaper Libération on August 25, 1944, featured a French officer being received by the National Council of the Resistance (CNR): this was Amado Granell, who was in fact Spanish. He was a former officer who had served in the Spanish Republican Army, like the vast majority of the soldiers in his company, under the command of Captain Dronne, a loyal supporter of General Leclerc.<br><br> During this visit, we will retrace their journey to liberate Paris, from their entry into the capital to their arrival at the City Hall, while exploring their history and the reasons for their participation in the Liberation.<br><br> We will also discuss the overall context of what was the capital's major event of the 20th century, as well as the rivalry between Gaullists and Communists in the struggle for the liberation of the city.<br><br> The visit will conclude at the City Hall, in a hidden, almost secret garden, unknown to Parisians.<br><br> <b>Please note:</b><br> The meeting place will be mentioned on your voucher after purchase.