Vélodrome D'Hiver

Velodrome d’Hiver Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Vélodrome d’Hiver—commonly known as Vel’ d’Hiv—occupies a unique and somber position within Parisian history. Inaugurated in 1909 as the city’s first permanent indoor cycling track, the Vel’ d’Hiv quickly became a hub for sporting and cultural events, admired for its innovative architecture and capacity to host 17,000 spectators (Paris Promeneurs; Wikipedia). Yet, its enduring legacy is inseparable from the tragic events of July 1942, when it was used as the primary detention site during the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup—a mass arrest and deportation of Jews by French police under Nazi orders (Yad Vashem; New York Jewish Travel Guide). While the original structure was demolished in 1959, the memory of those events lives on through memorial gardens, plaques, and annual ceremonies, which serve as places of remembrance and education.

This guide provides essential information for visitors—covering memorial locations, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, and the historical context necessary for a meaningful and respectful visit to this crucial Parisian landmark.

Black and white historic photograph of three male cyclists Marius Chocque, René Comboudoux, and Paul Chocque at Vélodrome d'hiver in Paris, 1927

Portrait of Ernst Kaufmann, winner of the Grand Prix de la Toussaint at Vélodrome d'Hiver, Paris, 1924

Vintage black and white photo of cyclists Comboudoux and Janin winners of amateur American race at Velodrome d'Hiver, Paris, 1931

Black and white photo of cyclists at Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris on March 24, 1927

Lucien Weiss at the Vél d'Hiv indoor stadium

Lucien Weiss, French cyclist, at Vélodrome d'hiver in Paris, 1928

Historical black and white photograph of merchants at the Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris, May 28, 1933

Cyclists departing for Six Days cycling race at Winter Velodrome Paris 1922

Historic black and white photograph of the French cycling team at Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris, featuring portraits of cyclists Souchard, Charles Pélissier, Alavoine, and Henri Pélissier from January 30, 1927

Portraits of André Raynaud and Armand Blanchonnet at Vélodrome d'hiver in Paris, October 30, 1927

Portrait of Emile Aerts at Vélodrome d'Hiver during the Six Days cycling race in Paris, March 31, 1925

Portrait of cyclist Reginald McNamara at Vélodrome d'hiver during the Six Jours cycling race in Paris, March 31, 1925

Cyclists competing in a track cycling race at Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris in 1913

Cyclists resting during Six Days cycling race at Winter Velodrome Paris 1923

Historic photograph of cyclists Grassin, Miquel, Jaeger, and Linart at the start of the 100 km cycling championship at Vélodrome d'hiver in Paris, 1927

Vintage black and white portrait of cyclist Henri Duray at the Vélodrome d'hiver in Paris during the 1927 Six Days cycling race

Six Jours cycling race riders Martinetti and Mouton at Paris Velodrome d'hiver 1927

Portrait of Alfred Letourneur, cyclist at the Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris during the Six Jours cycling race in 1927

Gabriel Marcillac portrait at the Six Jours cycling race, Paris Velodrome d'hiver, 1927

Spectators entering Velodrome d'Hiver with provisions for six-day cycling race in Paris

Spencer and Moeskops competing in a track cycling speed race at the Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris on January 7, 1923

Historic cycling track competition at Vel d'Hiv in Paris featuring cyclists Dupré and Hourlier on December 7, 1913

Vintage cycling race at Vélodrome d'hiver in Paris on 7 April 1923

Cyclist Georges Vandenhove resting at the Six Days cycling event, Vélodrome d'hiver, Paris, April 7, 1923

Portrait of cyclist Erich Möller with his coach Hoertrich at Velodrome d'hiver in Paris in 1928

Weightlifting competition match between Rigoulot and Cadine at Vélodrome d'hiver in Paris

Three French cyclists Chocque, Chocq, and Ménager posing at Vélodrome d'hiver in Paris, dated December 9, 1926

Vintage black and white press photo of boxing match between Al Brown and Routis at Vél d'Hiv on December 10, 1927

Vintage boxing match between Al Brown and Routis at Vél d'Hiv in 1927

Vintage boxing match between Al Brown and Routis at Vélodrome d'Hiver on December 10, 1927

Al Brown versus Routis boxing match at Vél d'Hiv in 1927

Vintage black and white photo of cyclists racing in the Au Vel'd Hiv grand prix de la Toussaint, 1926

Historic French press photo from January 12, 1912, published by Agence Meurisse

Vel d'Hiv cycling race event in 1912 Paris with spectators and cyclists

Vintage photo of cyclist Dupuy getting a massage at the Velodrome d'Hiver during the six-day cycling event, 1921

Cyclist Seres receiving a massage at Velodrome d'Hiver during the Six Days cycling event in 1921

Hippolyte Aucouturier portrait celebrating Bordeaux-Paris cycling race victory in 1905 at Vélodrome d'Hiver

1929 France-Italy cycling speed race at Vélodrome d'Hiver with cyclists Mario Bergamini, Avanti Martinetti, Lucien Michard, and Lucien Faucheux

Boxing setup at Vélodrome d'hiver during 1924 Olympic games

Historic cycling race at Vélodrome d'hiver in February 1897

1897-1898 cycling race at Vélodrome d'Hiver in Paris by Jules Beau

Vintage sports photograph of Coltineurs race at Vélodrome d'hiver, 1897-1898

Vintage black and white photo of a cyclist racing in a road cycling competition early 1900s

Vintage black and white portrait of a man from early 1900s sports collection

Black and white vintage photograph of a cyclist riding a bicycle on a dirt road

Vintage black and white sports photograph from early 1900s showing athletes in action

Lucien Michard during the 1928 Vélodrome d'hiver cycling race in Paris, winning the speed event

Carolus Matheron and Marcel Jean at France vs. Germany speed race at Vél' d'Hiv' velodrome

Introduction
Origins and Architectural Development
The Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup: July 1942
Memorials: Locations, Design, and Symbolism
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Getting There and Travel Tips
Nearby Historical Sites
Educational Role and Public Engagement
France’s Reckoning and Official Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Interactive Media
Conclusion
References

Origins and Architectural Development

Opened in 1909 and designed by Gaston Lambert, the Vélodrome d’Hiver was a marvel of its time, featuring a steel frame, glass roof, and seating for thousands. The cycling track, constructed from fir wood, was banked for speed, with a large central lawn and roller-skating rink (Paris Promeneurs; Wikipedia). Over the decades, the venue became a center for cycling, boxing, wrestling, ice hockey, and even political rallies. In 1931, it was renamed Palais des Sports de Grenelle, reflecting its versatility and popularity.

The Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup: July 1942

The darkest chapter in the velodrome’s history occurred on July 16–17, 1942. French police arrested over 13,000 Jews—including more than 4,000 children—and confined them in the velodrome under inhumane conditions prior to their deportation to camps such as Drancy and eventually Auschwitz (Yad Vashem). The Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup remains a defining moment in France’s Holocaust history and is commemorated annually.

Memorials: Locations, Design, and Symbolism

Although the velodrome no longer stands, several memorials and plaques mark its location and honor the victims.

Main Memorial Garden

The primary memorial is the Jardin mémorial des enfants du Vel’ d’Hiv’ (Vel’ d’Hiv’ Children’s Memorial Garden), located at 6 boulevard de Grenelle in the 15th arrondissement—near the site of the original velodrome and close to the Eiffel Tower (Trek Zone; Paris.fr). This tranquil space features commemorative plaques, including one dedicated specifically to the thousands of Jewish children detained during the roundup.

Sculptural Memorial

Inaugurated on July 17, 1994, the sculptural memorial—created by Walter Spitzer and architect Mario Azagury—depicts a group of civilians in distress, symbolizing the suffering endured during the roundup. The base, shaped like a velodrome track, references the site’s original purpose (New York Jewish Travel Guide; Liberation Route).

Commemorative Plaques

In addition to the main garden, plaques at 8 boulevard de Grenelle and the Bir-Hakeim Métro station provide further opportunities for reflection and remembrance.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Memorial Garden and Outdoor Plaques

Hours: Open daily, year-round. From April to September: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM; October to March: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Paris.fr).
Admission: Free; no tickets required.
Accessibility: The site is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

Nearby Museums and Exhibitions

Mémorial de la Shoah: Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Mémorial de la Shoah). Entry fees apply; guided tours and workshops available by reservation. The museum is fully accessible.
Drancy Shoah Memorial: Located in the Paris suburbs, open Wednesday–Sunday. Check their official website for current hours and ticket details.

Getting There and Travel Tips

By Metro: The nearest stations are Bir-Hakeim (Line 6), La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle (Lines 6, 8, 10), and Dupleix (Line 6)—all within easy walking distance.
Bus: Multiple lines serve the area.
Bike: Vélib’ bike-sharing stations are located within 100 meters.
Accessibility: The memorial and nearby area offer paved paths and step-free access.
Visitor Tips: Early morning visits provide a quieter atmosphere. There are no facilities at the memorial, so plan accordingly. Photography is permitted, but respectful conduct is expected.

Nearby Historical Sites

While at the Vel’ d’Hiv’ memorial, consider visiting other significant Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and the Mémorial de la Shoah in the Marais district. The Shoah Memorial organizes guided memory tours that often include the Vel’ d’Hiv’ site and additional key locations (Explore Paris).

Educational Role and Public Engagement

The Vel’ d’Hiv’ memorials serve as focal points for Holocaust education, regularly visited by school groups, researchers, and tourists. Interpretive panels (primarily in French, with some English translations) provide context about the events of July 1942 and the broader Holocaust in France (Liberation Route).

France’s Reckoning and Official Recognition

For decades, France was reluctant to acknowledge its role in the Holocaust. In 1995, President Jacques Chirac publicly recognized the French state’s responsibility for the deportations, a landmark in national memory and memorialization (New York Jewish Travel Guide).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the original Vel’ d’Hiv’ building?
A: No, the original building was demolished in 1959; visitors can explore the memorial gardens and plaques at or near the original site.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The memorial garden is open daily: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (April–September), 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (October–March).

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, access to the memorial garden and outdoor plaques is free.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local operators and museums offer guided tours; advance booking is recommended.

Q: How do I get there via public transport?
A: Use Paris Metro Line 6 (Bir-Hakeim, Dupleix, or La Motte-Picquet–Grenelle stations).

Q: Is the memorial accessible for people with reduced mobility?
A: Yes, the site features paved paths and step-free access.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, photography is welcomed, but please maintain a respectful attitude.

Visuals and Interactive Media

Enhance your experience by exploring virtual tours, interactive maps, and photo galleries available through organizations like Yad Vashem, Paris city guides, and the Mémorial de la Shoah. Images are provided with descriptive alt text for accessibility and SEO (Yad Vashem).

Conclusion

The Vel’ d’Hiv’ memorials offer a profound opportunity to reflect on the intersection of Paris’s rich cultural history and the somber realities of wartime persecution. Through free and accessible memorial sites, educational tours, and annual commemorations, visitors can honor the memory of the victims and deepen their understanding of France’s complex past. We encourage all who visit to approach these sites with respect, utilize available resources, and continue learning through official online materials and guided experiences.

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