The historian and resistant Marc Bloch is honored at the Panthéon alongside his wife.

Paris – 23.06.2026: Marc Bloch, an important historian and World War II resistance fighter, was posthumously welcomed to the Panthéon on June 23, 2026. Alongside him, his wife, Simonne Vidal, who contributed significantly to his academic work and his resistance against National Socialism, was symbolically honored as well.

Marc Bloch, born in 1886, was a pioneer of modern historiography and co-founder of the Annales School. His works, in particular “La société féodale” and “L’étrange défaite,” have deeply influenced historical science. During World War II, he actively engaged in the Resistance and was killed by the Gestapo in 1944.

The decision to include Bloch in the Panthéon was made in November 2024 by President Emmanuel Macron, who recognized his “work, teaching, and courage.” Bloch’s family had initially expressed concerns regarding a possible political instrumentalization of his legacy, especially by far-right groups. They emphasized the desire for the ceremony to be “purely civil” and free of religious or nationalist connotations.

In the run-up to the panthéonization, several events were held to commemorate Bloch’s legacy. The École normale supérieure organized a “Veillée républicaine” on June 22 and 23, 2026, during which citizens gathered in the institute’s historic library to remember and reflect.

The panthéonization of Marc Bloch emphasizes the importance of his contribution to French history and culture. It celebrates not only his scientific achievements but also his unwavering resistance to fascism and his dedication to republican values. With this honor, his legacy is remembered as a symbol of the defense of freedom and truth.

The ceremony was personally presided over by President Macron and was held excluding the far-right party Rassemblement National, in agreement with the family’s wishes. This decision reflects the desire to keep Bloch’s legacy away from political exploitation and to preserve his memory in a dignified context.

Marc Bloch’s entry into the Panthéon represents a further step in recognizing the resistance fighters and French intellectuals who decisively contributed to the defense of the Republic and its values. This tribute recalls the importance of resistance and intellectual freedom in French history.

The panthéonization of Marc Bloch is a significant event that strengthens the link between science, resistance, and national memory in France. It pays tribute to the life and work of a man who left a lasting mark both as a historian and as a resistance fighter.