Location: Paris
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The 5 Best Military Museums in Paris, Ile-de-France
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
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1. Musee de l’Armee des Invalides
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,714 reviews
Located right in the heart of Paris in the prestigious of the Hôtel national des Invalides, the museum is to one of the largest military history and art collections in the world, offering a unique overview of the history France. It is one of the 5 most visited museums in France, with over 1.4 million visitors in 2015. A remarkable site full of history, the Hôtel des Invalides was founded by Louis XIV to house veterans and wounded soldiers. It now forms the unique, prestigious setting the Musée de l’Armée. The museum's collections contain over 500.000 pieces, covering a period from the Middle Ages up to the present day and following a newly designed educational route: the armour and weapons of the Kings of France, swords, cannons, uniforms, paintings, photographs, the personal effects of important figures such as Françis I, Louis and Charles de Gaulle, plus the Dome church, which since 1861 has been home to the monumental tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, its golden dome reaching into the skies of Paris at over 110 metres high.
Reviewed By SuzyRW - Lexington, United States
This was a cool way to explore French history with Napoleon's tomb and the Army Museum, the top floor of which has weapons from all eras (my 10 year old nephew LOVED it!). It's a lot of walking so bring water but the grounds are lovely and you can take your time seeing everything. The cafe is a nice respite too and the food is good. All in all, a great way to spend an afternoon in Paris!
2. Musee du Service de Sante des Armees au Val-de-Grace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Créé pendant la guerre de 1914-1918 dans l'ancienne abbaye royale du Val-de-Grâce, le musée permet au visiteur, par la présentation pédagogique de ses collections, de mieux comprendre les fondements et les vocations multiples de la médecine aux armées : soutien sanitaire des forces armées, essor de la chirurgie maxillo-faciale (moulages en cire des "Gueules Cassées"), recherche en psychiatrie, médecine subaquatique et aérospatiale, lutte contre les gaz toxiques, actions humanitaires, soins aux populations, création d’écoles de médecine ou d’Instituts Pasteur, lutte contre les grandes endémies outre-mer et contre les maladies infectieuses métropolitaines ou exotiques, progrès de l’hygiène.
3. Musee de la Legion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Le musée de la Légion d’honneur et des ordres de chevalerie propose un voyage insolite à travers les époques et les cultures grâce à 5.000 objets d’art et décorations provenant du monde entier.
Reviewed By SakiJR - Turku, Finland
Small museum. Excellent collection of military medals, pieces of Napoleon belongings, maltese knights and military related collection, costumes and paintings. Free entrance, opens at 13.00. I strongly recommend to visit. Friendly and attentive personnel.
4. Musee des Plans-Reliefs
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 67 reviews
The Musée des Plans-reliefs houses a unique collection: historical models of fortified cities and surrounding countryside, made between the reign of Louis XIV and Napoleon III. A great discovery in the heart of Paris. The ticket entrance also includes access to Army museum, Napoleon's tomb and Order of Liberation museum.
5. Musee de la Liberation de Paris - Musee du general Leclerc - Musee Jean Moulin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By globalfinder312 - Chicago, United States
The liberation of Paris during WWII was the hard-earned outcome of multiple efforts, including those of the French army, different wings of the French Resistance, the general population (at great risk to themselves), before and during the critical efforts of the Allies. In this small, ambitious, and wonderfully curated museum featuring photos, documents, and videos, you will learn how General Leclerc, Paul Moulin, Charles de Gaulle and countless other known and unknown contributors and combatants fought not only the Nazis, but also the French Vichy government, lead by Marshall Petain. There are helpful timelines showing the dates of key events. Don't miss the tour of the underground Resistance bunker, where efforts to coordinate resistant efforts took place in the face of diminishing resources. It requires walking 90 stairs up and down, and features individual headsets that provide a holographic tour by a member of the Resistance. Afterwards, you can tour the space on your own. The museum is easily reached on the Metro. It is free and reasonably small, so try to visit at less-busy times of the day. Sign up for the recommended bunker tour when you first enter the museum. Most displays are in French and English. There is an excellent bookstore upstairs. All told, we spent about two hours in the museum and could have stayed longer. I came away with a better understanding of the complexity of events before, during, and after liberation. My husband, who knows much more WWII history than I do, enjoyed it just as much. While WWII is a serious subject,, I believe this is a worthwhile opportunity for kids over 12 years old to learn about this important period of history right where it happened.
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