The 13th Arrondissement of Paris played a unique role during World War II, blending its industrial character with activities of resistance and occupation. Known for its working-class population and large industrial presence, the area was a hub for both German occupation forces and French Resistance movements.
The Gobelins Manufactory, famous for its tapestries, was repurposed during the war. Nazi forces utilized its vast spaces for storing looted artworks and other valuable items. This use of the Gobelins marked a significant shift from its traditional role in French culture to a strategic asset in the conflict.
One of the lesser-known aspects of the 13th Arrondissement's wartime history is the presence of the Bièvre River. Though now mostly covered, it was an important geographical feature at the time, providing a discreet route for resistance fighters to move through the city. The river’s banks and surrounding areas were often used for clandestine meetings and the transfer of messages and materials.
The district also housed the Butte-aux-Cailles, a neighborhood known for its strong community spirit. During the war, it became a hotbed of resistance activity. The narrow, winding streets and closely-knit community made it difficult for occupying forces to penetrate and control, thus providing a relatively safe haven for resistance operations.
Another significant site in the 13th Arrondissement was the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital. This large medical complex played a dual role during the war. While it continued to serve its primary function as a hospital, it also became a center for clandestine activities. Doctors and nurses were known to assist in the smuggling of resistance fighters and the provision of medical care to those injured in skirmishes against German forces.
In addition to these sites, the 13th Arrondissement was home to several clandestine printing presses. These presses were crucial for the production of underground newspapers and pamphlets, which were instrumental in disseminating information and maintaining morale among the occupied population. One notable underground publication was “Résistance,” which was distributed secretly across Paris.
The district also saw significant ethnic diversity, with a considerable population of immigrants, particularly from Indochina. This diverse demographic landscape added layers of complexity to the arrondissement’s role during the war, as different communities reacted in various ways to the occupation.
The industrial areas of the 13th Arrondissement, particularly around the Gare d'Austerlitz, were targeted by Allied bombings. These bombings aimed to disrupt German supply lines and infrastructure. The station itself was a critical logistic hub, and its destruction played a part in the broader strategy to weaken German control over Paris.
In summary, the 13th Arrondissement of Paris served as a microcosm of the city’s broader wartime experience, characterized by a blend of occupation, resistance, and survival. Its unique geographical and socio-economic landscape made it a significant, though often overlooked, player in the complex theater of World War II.