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
Official Website: Musee de l’Armee
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.
Some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed due to COVID-19. Please verify opening hours with the attraction before visiting.
Open Now
Regular Hours:
- 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
Guy H. Nov-05-2020
Quite Unbelievable! That is not an understatement. Extensive collections of French armament including accouterment used by Napolean(the Hat!). WW1 aNd WW2... Read More
Mike C. Mar-24-2020
Another great museum in Paris. If you're a military buff, please dedicate at least 2 hours here because the time will go by pretty quick and will realize... Read More
Donna B. Dec-07-2019
Came to see Napoléon. Double check the hours depending on the time of year. I saw it was open until 7pm. Not in November, it closes at 5pm and last... Read More
Accommodations near Musee de l’Armee:
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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Photo Gallery
-
View of the spectacular Palace Les Invalides cc licensed ( BY ND ) flickr photo by gadgetdude Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp Photo Credit: Yelp -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Falcon_33 - cc license via Flickr