Places to Go for A Jewish Heritage Tour in France

by Kosher River Cruise Kosher Tour Operator

Having the third largest Jewish community in the world, the history of the French Jews is truly fascinating. For many centuries, France was a vital center of European Jewish life. Known cities such as Paris, Avignon, and Narbonne are excellent destinations for any Jewish traveler.

If you want to go on a Jewish heritage tour in France, here are the places you should include in your itinerary.

Guided tour in Marais

Traverse through the trendiest places in Paris on a guided tour. Visiting Marais is like seeing both the past and present world because of the mixture of history, culture, art, and fashion. One of the notable landmarks in Marais is the Jewish Pletzl.

Pletzl is the Yiddish word for “little place”, and true to its definition, it is a small Jewish quarter in the fourth arrondissement of Paris.

You’ll find some interesting Jewish bakeries, kosher butchers, delicious delicatessens and more.

Judeo-Alsatian Museum of Bouxwiller

A former synagogue, this museum highlights the culture of Jews in Alsace. The Alsace Jews are one of the oldest in Europe, and were known as the “learned men” way back in 1165. They have the highest concentration of rural synagogues in the world.

You’ll find several representations of Jews in medieval Alsatian art. The museum also has an amazing collection of tools, clothes, paintings, and incredibly designed panels.

If you want to visit a comprehensive museum on Alsace Jewish history, this place is a must visit.

Shoah Memorial and Museum

For a detailed documentation about the history of Jews during the Holocaust in France, the Shoah Memorial and Museum is the destination for oyu. This museum features a chronological and thematic tour with amazing materials that cover a lot of topics about the Holocaust.

One of the highlights of this museum is the large screen on the end that shows an image of the Ramp at Auschwitz-Birkenau on loop.

At the exit of the museum, there is a memorial wall with photos of the Jews who were killed during the Holocaust.

Synagogue of Carpentras

Carpentras is a city known for its rich past. The Jews there are no exception. This place bore witness of the times when the Popes of Avignon protected the Jews from the persecution. In the synagogue, you’ll find the original 14th-century mikveh in the basement.

You will also find the oldest Jewish cemetery in France which is an active cemetery until now.