Cercil Museum - Memorial Children of the Vel d'Hiv
Reflect on history at the Cercil Museum in Orléans, a memorial to the children of Vel d'Hiv, offering poignant exhibits and educational resources on the Holocaust.
The Cercil Museum in Orléans stands as a poignant memorial to the children who perished during the Vel d'Hiv Roundup in 1942. This somber museum documents the internment camps in the Loiret region during World War II, specifically Beaune-la-Rolande, Pithiviers, and Jargeau. Through carefully curated exhibits featuring personal accounts, photographs, letters, and historical artifacts, the museum sensitively tells the stories of the victims, giving faces and names to the statistics. More than just a memorial, Cercil is dedicated to education, hosting workshops and welcoming school groups to engage young people with this difficult subject matter. The museum also houses a bookstore with a curated selection of works on the Holocaust, World War II, and related subjects, offering visitors the opportunity to deepen their understanding of this complex period in history. A visit to Cercil is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance and vigilance, challenging visitors to consider their roles in creating a more just and tolerant world.
A brief summary to Cercil Museum - Memorial Children Du Vel D'hiv
- 45 Rue du Bourdon Blanc, Orléans, 45000, FR
- +33238420391
- Visit website
- Monday 11 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-8 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-6 pm
- Thursday 11 am-6 pm
- Friday 11 am-6 pm
- Sunday 2 pm-6 pm
Local tips
- Allow ample time for your visit, as the museum's content is emotionally impactful and requires time for reflection.
- Consider reading about the Vel d'Hiv Roundup beforehand to provide context for the exhibits.
- Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and special events that may enhance your visit.
- Take advantage of the museum's bookstore to deepen your understanding of the Holocaust and related topics.
- Be aware that the museum's content may be disturbing for young children; parental guidance is advised.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Orléans train station, the Cercil Museum is approximately a 15-minute walk. Head north from the station towards Place Albert 1er, then continue onto Rue de la République. Turn left onto Rue Royale, and then turn right onto Rue du Bourdon Blanc. The museum will be on your left. The walk is straightforward and well-signposted.
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Public Transport
Several tram and bus lines provide access to the Cercil Museum. From the Orléans train station, take Tram B and get off at the Cathédrale stop, which is a short walk to the museum. Alternatively, bus lines 4, 5, or 25 stop at Halmagrand, also within walking distance. A single tram or bus fare costs approximately €1.50.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share from the Orléans train station to the Cercil Museum typically takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €8 and €12.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to Rue du Bourdon Blanc, 45000 Orléans. Parking near the museum can be challenging. The closest parking is available at Car Park Cathédrale, located at 1 Rue Saint-Pierre Lentin, a 5-minute walk to the museum. Parking rates at Car Park Cathédrale are €0.60 for 15 minutes (up to 2 hours), €18.80 for a flat rate from 9:00 to 24:00, and €3 for an evening rate (18:00 - 5:00).
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