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, however entry is free with the Paris Pass and for individuals under the age of 18. There is also lower admission after 5pm in summer and during winter.
Open Now: Yes! Some attractions may restrict entry prior to their closing time.
Hours This Week:- 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: 0 810 11 33 99
Official Website: Les Invalides
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 Les Invalides 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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Reviews
Rated out of 5
Amazing historical journey through France's military past. The WW1 and WW2 exhibit was comprehensive and full of artifacts from the time. Napoleon's tomb is very impressive too.
Toby Roberts - 1 day ago
Amazing historical journey through France's military past. The WW1 and WW2 exhibit was comprehensive and full of artifacts from the time. Napoleon's tomb is very impressive too.
We went here mostly to see the tomb of Napoleon, which was pretty amazing. The museum also houses WW1 and WW2 artifacts along with weaponry and costumes of French kings and their armies from the 18th and 19th centuries. They've even gor some prehistoric weapons and a large collection of miniature soldiers and armies that kids would love. Some of the weapons are incredible and the collection is quite vast. While it will have you captivated for the first hour or so, there's just that many swords and cannons one can look at! However the world's largest bronze cannon is housed here and the Dome of the cathederal where Napoleon is meant to rest is a sight to behold. All in all, it's definitely worth a visit. There are a few bars and cafes inside including Angelina Cafe.
Conrad Egbert - 5 days ago
We went here mostly to see the tomb of Napoleon, which was pretty amazing. The museum also houses WW1 and WW2 artifacts along with weaponry and costumes of French kings and their armies from the 18th and 19th centuries. They've even gor some prehistoric weapons and a large collection of miniature soldiers and armies that kids would love. Some of the weapons are incredible and the collection is quite vast. While it will have you captivated for the first hour or so, there's just that many swords and cannons one can look at! However the world's largest bronze cannon is housed here and the Dome of the cathederal where Napoleon is meant to rest is a sight to behold. All in all, it's definitely worth a visit. There are a few bars and cafes inside including Angelina Cafe.
Alina Wood - 7 days ago
Kyrsten Carlson - 19 days ago
Dan Paul Jones - 2 months ago
Video
Photo Gallery
View of the spectacular Palace Les Invalides cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo by gadgetdude -
L'église du Dôme des Invalides (Paris) cc licensed photo by dalbera -
Verdun par Félix Vallotton (Musée de l'Armée, BDIC) cc licensed photo by dalbera -
L'église du Dôme des Invalides (Paris) cc licensed photo by dalbera -
Le Jour ni l’Heure 7718 : La Vénus des Invalides — parc de stationnement, Paris, dimanche 11 juin 2017, 18:04:24 cc licensed photo by Renaud Camus -
L'église des soldats (Cathédrale Saint-Louis des Invalides, Paris) cc licensed photo by dalbera -
Le Tombeau du Maréchal Foch de Paul Landowski (Église du Dôme des Invalides, Paris) cc licensed photo by dalbera -
Palace Les Invalides cc licensed photo by James Whitesmith -
Le Jour ni l’Heure 7713 : autoportrait grillagé, parc de stationnement des Invalides, Paris, dimanche 11 juin 2017, 18:03:09 cc licensed photo by Renaud Camus -
See something or say something: Paris cc licensed photo by Eric Fischer -
PICT0511/paris City/Hôtel des Invalides/Place d'Arme et entrée/ cc licensed photo by dany13
