Les Invalides
(Museum of Arms and Armor)
The collections showcased at Les Invalides are varied, interesting and span over large periods of time
War has played a significant role in almost every country's history and France is no different. Les Invalides or the Museum of Arms and Armour contains a comprehensive history of war and the role it played in the establishment and development of the great country of France. Items on display here include weaponry, artillery used and armour and uniforms utilized by the French army. There are also a number of other important documents and tributes that are on display.
One thing to bear in mind is that much of the ancient French armour and weaponry, while practical and functional for its time, are also intricate and beautiful works of art. Viewing the exhibits of le musée de l'Armée is on par with visiting any of the finest art museums in Paris.
Les Invalides is situated in the 7th arrondissement of Paris and is home to an assortment of military equipment, monuments and military buildings. The buildings and palatial structures that house the museum and other military facilities including a hospital and veterans retirement home are truly spectacular. They have a rich history dating back to the late 1600s.
A visit to Les Invalides is quite the cultural experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the history of Paris and France. The museum of arms and armour resides within one of the buildings at Les Invalides while the burial site of some of the country's most revered war heroes is contained in one of the other buildings. In fact, the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte himself are buried in a tomb here, a tomb many patriots and historians would love to pay tribute to.
The museum, as it stands today, is more than a century old. It was established in 1905 when two prominent museums merged into one. The Historical Army Museum and the Artillery Museum merged to form the Museum of Arms and Armour. Some of the most notable collections in the museum would be the "ancient weapons and armours" collection, the "artillery scale-models" collection and the collection dedicated in part to Napoleon I. The collections showcased are varied, interesting and span over large periods of time and this museum is considered to be one of the best of its kind in the world. A visit to Les Invalides and the Museum of Arms and Armour is one of the best cultural daytrips you can go on while in Paris.
Nearby attraction: Musée Rodin
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes.Musee de l’Armee Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France
Phone: 01 44 42 38 77
Official Website: Musee de l’Armee
Musee de l’Armee Reviews
Rated
out of 5 Such a great experience !
One of the largest military museums in the world. An impressive collection of artifacts spanning French military history from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Musée de l'Armée is a must-visit for anyone interested in military history. The museum is well-organized and informative, and the exhibits are both fascinating and educational.
I recommend !
Sara R - 2 months ago
Amazing military meseum complete with little battle displays of actual battles that was fought from different times.
A large collection of weapons, uniforms, and all sort of military items showcasing different eras.
A very complete and insightful museum that showcases all things french! Loved it and i will visit again!
Cj Jacobs - a month ago
We had an absolutely fantastic time visiting the Army Museum in Paris! This museum is a treasure trove of history, with an impressive collection that spans several centuries. From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the breadth and depth of the exhibits, which cover everything from medieval armor to modern warfare.
One of the highlights for us was the stunning collection of armor and weaponry. The displays are incredibly well-preserved and presented in a way that really brings history to life. We also enjoyed exploring the sections dedicated to the World Wars, which were both informative and moving. The museum does an excellent job of combining historical artifacts with multimedia presentations to create a truly engaging experience.
For those planning a visit, I recommend setting aside at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate everything, as the museum is quite large and there’s so much to see. Arriving early in the day can help you avoid the crowds, especially if you want to take your time in the more popular exhibits. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Napoleon’s Tomb, which is part of the same complex and makes for a perfect combination with the museum. Consider getting the audio guide, which provides additional context and insights that really enhance the experience. Lastly, since there’s a lot of walking involved, be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Overall, the Army Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in military history or just looking for a unique cultural experience in Paris. We left with a deeper appreciation for history and a sense of awe at the incredible artifacts on display. Highly recommended!
Victor Wong - a month ago
Lots to see, war museum showcasing history of wars France was involved in. Most interesting being Nepolian war time, showing his uniform, weapons etc. He is also laid to rest in the church. Beautiful church and grounds. 2-3 hours is enough to see all.
Daniel P - a week ago
This was one of the most stunning places that I have been to in France. The museum itself is massive. I had planned on spending about three hours there and ended up spending the entire day. The amount of history that are inside of these chambers is unimaginable. I especially enjoyed learning about side of World War II. The medieval armor displays are amazing.
The most breathtaking room to be in obviously is the tomb of Napoleon. It’s inside the dome. Unbelievable!
buyushay - 2 months ago
Directions
Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
M8 | La tour - Maubourg | 3 minutes |
M13 | Varenne | 5 minutes |
RER C | Invalides | 7 minutes |
How to get to Musee de l’Armee by Metro / RER
By Metro: from Latour - Maubourg station exit and walk northeast along Avenue de la Motte-Picquet to the main entrance; from Varenne Station exit and walk north along Blvd. des Invalides then left on Place des Invalides to the entrance.
By RER C: exit Invalides Station and proceed straight south through the plaza along Avenue du Marechal Gallieni to the entrance.
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