Les Invalides
(Museum of Arms and Armor)

The collections showcased at Les Invalides are varied, interesting and span over large periods of time

Old cannons on display at Les Invalides
Old cannons on display at Les Invalides cc licensed photo by b1mbo

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

Official Website: Musee de l’Armee

Fee: Yes.

Closed Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • 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

Category: Museums

Address: Hôtel des Invalides
Esplanade des Invalides
75007 Paris
France

Phone: +33 810 11 33 99

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 71 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating This is an amazing museum! Definitely worth seeing along with the Louvre and Musee D'Orsay. It has Napoleon's Tomb, which is very elaborate, but also an... Read More

Lynda T. Jun-06-2023

4 Star Rating Wondering what additional museum to put on the list while in Paris, easy tack the Musee de l Armee. Why might one ask? Easy answer, Napoleon Tomb lies deep... Read More

Ryan A. Sep-24-2022

5 Star Rating The Army Museum in Paris has an impressive array of military artifacts from the Middle Ages through WWII. While each set of artifacts through the centuries... Read More

Craig B. Nov-09-2022

Accommodations near Musee de l’Armee:

Directions

Metro / RER Line Nearest Station Walking Time
M8La tour - Maubourg3 minutes
M13Varenne5 minutes
RER CInvalides7 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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Video


This excellent video takes you on a stunning tour through le musée de l'Armée

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