Saint Barbara's Day: a week of free events at the Musée de l'Armée

Sainte Barbe, patron saint of artillerymen and all those who have to deal with fire or explosions, is once again being honored at the Musée de l'Armée in Les Invalides, as part of a historical celebration open to the general public, free of charge and accessible to all, from December 4 to 10, 2023. During these few days, shows, guided tours, sporting challenges and military ceremonies invite you and your family to discover a part of history.

Where did this saint, adopted during the First World War as the patron saint of artillery, come from? Beard was a beautiful and noble young girl who lived in the second half of the 3rd century, during the reign of Diocletian, in what is now Turkey, and who was locked up in a tower by her father, to keep her away from the demands of the world. Her father was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground.

In the cour d'honneur of the Invalides, enjoy a weekend-long show in period uniform by theDraguignan artillery school, evoking the great episodes of history, accompanied by a brass band and artillery pieces: 120 mm mortar, Griffon-MEPAC, CAESAR cannon, SERVAL light multi-role armored vehicle, and more. Guided tours of the museum's collections, including sensory tours and behind-the-scenes tours, are also available on reservation.

• To be read
• Tips for the week of April 29 - May 5, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings
• Free museums and monuments: places to visit this Sunday, May 5, 2024 in Paris
• Free Museums and Monuments to do in Paris and Ile-de-France, good ideas for outings

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