Place des Martyrs de l’Occupation Allemande

Amidst the bustling streets of Clichy, a quiet square holds a poignant history. Place des Martyrs de l’Occupation Allemande. This square stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who resisted the German occupation during World War II. Place des Martyrs de l’Occupation Allemande wasn’t always a solemn memorial. It once housed a bustling intersection of Rue Paloy and Rue Martre. These streets bore witness to religious processions in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the war, a seemingly ordinary restaurant named “Chez Papa” stood at this very spot. This unassuming establishment played a crucial role in the French Resistance. Place des Martyrs de l’Occupation Allemande owes its name to the brave individuals who met secretly within Chez Papa’s walls. The restaurant’s back room became a clandestine headquarters. Two key Resistance groups operated in Clichy. One of them made Chez Papa their meeting place. Here, they plotted their strategies, drafted underground publications, and found refuge in the vaulted cellars when curfew descended. The owner, Edmond Degouis, played a crucial role, providing a safe haven for these brave individuals. A pivotal moment occurred on March 2, 1944. The Liberation Committee of the northwestern suburbs of the Seine was founded within Chez Papa. A plaque marks this historical event. As the Resistance grew, they relocated their operations. Their new headquarters became the basement of former public baths. These baths were located at 3 Place des Martyrs, then known as Place des Fêtes. This area now houses the Société Générale. Place des Martyrs de l’Occupation Allemande thus became a symbol of defiance. It represents the unwavering spirit of those who fought for freedom during a dark period in history. Behind Chez Papa lay an 18th-century farmyard. The cabaret owner transformed this space into a second entertainment venue called “L’Exotique,” a patio adorned with frescoes and a retractable glass roof. Place des Martyrs de l’Occupation Allemande stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the occupation. It honors the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the liberation of France.