Marc Bloch and his wife Simonne are buried at the Panthéon.

Paris – 23.06.2026: The historian and resistance fighter Marc Bloch was posthumously honored and interred at the Panthéon in Paris on June 23, 2026. Together with his wife, Mrs. Simonne, they received recognition honoring their contributions to the field of history as well as their dedication to the resistance movement against the Nazi German occupation.

The ceremony, presided over by President Emmanuel Macron, took place in the evening and attracted numerous guests from the political, cultural, and scientific communities. Members of the Bloch family, including his granddaughter Suzette, also attended this emotional event. Being entered into the Panthéon is one of the highest honors in France, celebrating those who have served the Republic with distinction.

Marc Bloch, born in 1886, co-founded the Annales school, shaping modern historiography through new methods and perspectives. Alongside his academic work, he actively participated in the resistance movement against the Nazi occupation during World War II. In 1944, he was arrested by the Gestapo, tortured, and ultimately executed.

The decision to induct him into the Panthéon was announced by President Macron in November 2024. Initially, the Bloch family had concerns that Marc Bloch’s memory might be exploited for political purposes. After thorough discussions, everyone agreed to hold a purely civic commemorative ceremony without religious or nationalist overtones.

The ceremony carried deep symbolic meaning. Actors such as Jacques Gamblin and Lou de Laâge recited moving passages, accompanied by music from Gabriel Fauré’s “Pavane.” The event was protected by the Garde Républicaine. The graves of Marc and Simonne Bloch were adorned with personal memorabilia such as military medals and letters.

Through his Panthéon induction, Marc Bloch was honored as a guardian of truth and a symbol of intellectual and moral resistance in France. His work and courage in the fight against occupation remain an important legacy, reminding French society of the values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.

Accompanying the commemoration, the Panthéon is hosting the exhibition “Marc Bloch, the Spirit of History” from June 25, 2026, to January 10, 2027. The exhibition presents his life, scholarly work, and involvement in the resistance movement.

The induction of Marc Bloch and his wife Simonne into the Panthéon underscores the importance of honoring historical figures devoted to the Republic. This contributes to strengthening the culture of remembrance within French society and helps preserve lessons from the past for the future.