Housed in the former military health college in Lyon – and once used by the Gestapo to manage their operations in the city – the Resistance and Deportation History Centre is a place of remembrance. The museum is divided into three sections: commitment, information and propaganda, and space and time. Each looks at different aspects of the war, German occupation, and the Resistance.
Using written documents, photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts the museum documents Lyon's dark est hours with dignity, as it examines the deportation of Jews and other so-called undesirables, and shows excerpts from local Gestapo leader Klaus Barbie's trial for crimes against humanity. Barbie was known as the “Butcher of Lyon” for his brutally repressive regime.
The museum is located at 14 Avenue Berthelot. It’s easy to get to the museum on public transport – the T2 tram station Centre Berthelot is a short walk away. In addition, the Line A metro stop Perrache and Line B stop Jean Macé are also within walking distance.
The Resistance and Deportation History Centre is open from Wednesday to Sunday all year round, except for national holidays. Weekdays tend to get fewer crowds.
For the chance to see Lyon from the water hop on a Saone River cruise. Most trips last for one hour and along the way, you’ll see Lyon’s well-preserved Renaissance buildings, beautiful churches, and interesting bridges. The Lyon City Card includes a Saone River cruise.
