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 As a big history and military fan I really enjoyed their massive collection.
From first weapons used in ancient history till the most recent conflict they cover everything.
I especially enjoyed seeing so many different selections of medieval armors, and the WW2 area.
You will gain new views on history and expand your knowledge.
I could compare this Army Museum in Paris with the Louvre only art is replaced with weapons.
Tip: Napoleon's tomb is just nearby so don't skip it as it is magnificent
Adis Čizmić - 2 months ago
This was the highlight of our visit. We went to all four of the major areas. My son and I absolutely loved the history and immersion. Being from the UK and US we had not seen the French perspective this clearly. There was so much to see! The highlight was the Dome. It gave greater understanding of the role he plays in French culture.
The only negative was the audio tour. It highlighted unique items but skipped over lot.
Richard MacLaren - in the last week
Amazing museum! Cost about $15 Euros, can get a ticket there or online (getyourguide). A tourist attraction, but cheap to see the great architectures, statues, Napoleon's tomb, cannons, etc. Has a lot of history that is explained a bit next to certain monuments. The place is surprisingly clean and has a restaurant nearby the museum. Worth it if you're a fan of history, taking pictures/videos, and exploring things to do in Paris 🇫🇷
Bob Job - 5 months ago
Absolutely next level!! This is super cool (if history and army strategy is your thing)! Take the option of the digital tour (headsets in many languages), it made all the difference especially with the kids. Really awesome, reflective experience.
Geoff Stephens - 5 months ago
Museum focusing on the exploits of France’s rich military history. This complex of museums provides major exhibits from dozens of suits of armor, muslim captured crusader cannons, and every worthwhile type of poking and slashing instrument one can imagine, through the Napoleonic era, and into modern war in WW1 and WW2. There is an audio tour, which we highly recommend that provides insight and storylines into some of the more unique artifacts, and several other ongoing programs, so check the website before going. Further the museum offers English and French interpretation through almost all of the complex and also offers in depth strategic overviews of different battles through video and in actual footage in some cases. I could have a stayed here for days but needed to stay married.
Anthony P - 5 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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