In 1944, the D-Day landings took place. Which major French city was liberated later that year?

The story behind the answer

Paris. After D‑Day on June 6, 1944, Allied forces pushed from Normandy toward the French capital. Following a citywide Resistance uprising, the Free French 2nd Armored Division and the U.S. 4th Infantry entered Paris, leading to its liberation on August 25, 1944, and a triumphant return of Charles de Gaulle.

Why it matters: Eisenhower initially planned to bypass Paris due to supply concerns, but the uprising forced a change—making the capital’s liberation a powerful symbol of France’s resurgence. Remember it as “D‑Day to De Gaulle”: Normandy landings to de Gaulle marching down the Champs‑Élysées. Other cities like Marseille and Lyon were also freed in 1944, but Paris was the iconic milestone.