All you need to know about the role of the Minister of the Armies and the history of the ministry... This is what the Hôtel de Brienne offers for the 43rd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, taking place on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Over the weekend, come and discover this colorful building, home to the Ministry of the Armies since 1817, through a series of visits.
A private mansion built in 1725 for Madame de Prie, then mistress of the Duc de Bourbon. TheHôtel de Brienne later became the residence of the Princesse de Conti and Laetizia Bonaparte, Napoleon's mother. These three women undertook extensive work on the building, giving it the prestige it enjoys today. A hotel which, at the time, was said to have the most beautiful gardens in the Republic.
It became the headquarters of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in 1817, and has played host to illustrious figures such as Georges Clemenceau, who organized the victory of 1917, and Charles de Gaulle, who settled here in 1944 after the war. On the occasion of the Journées du Patrimoine, you are also invited to visit the office of the current Minister of the Armed Forces. Registration is required for this visit. Why not make a reservation?
Visit to Hôtel de Brienne and to the Office of the Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans
Built in 1725 for Madame de Prie, mistress of the Duke of Bourbon, then home to the Princess of Conti and to Laetitia Bonaparte, mother of the Emperor, all three commissioned major works that gave the Hôtel de Brienne prestige, elegance, and, it is said, the Republic’s finest garden. A pivotal site in our military and political history, the Hôtel de Brienne has housed the Ministry of the Armed Forces since 1817. It is within these walls that Clemenceau organized victory in 1917 and that Charles de Gaulle set up residence in 1944, once France was liberated. Their offices have been restored to their exact layout on the upper floor, while on the ground floor the minister’s and his advisers’ offices still bear the marks of history and welcome those who are writing a new chapter.
Participation terms: Free of charge
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Ministère des Armées - Hôtel de Brienne
12 Rue Saint-Dominique
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Access
Metro line 12 "Assemblée Nationale" station
Prices
Free
Official website
www.defense.gouv.fr
