The Musée de l'armée in Paris, a witness to military history in the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides

In the heart of Paris, in the 7tharrondissement, the Musée de l'Armée stands like a vigilant guardian of French history. A veritable cultural treasure trove, it attracts history and heritage enthusiasts from all over the world. The Musée de l'Armée was born in 1905 from the merger of two pre-existing military museums: the Musée d'Artillerie and the Musée Historique de l'Armée. Located within theHôtel des Invalides, it occupies a historic site closely linked to France's military history.

The museum's collection includes a vast array of objects, weapons, uniforms and artifacts that trace the evolution of the French army from its beginnings to the present day. Highlights include medieval knights' armor, historic cannons and firearms, and the personal effects of great military figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte.

A visit to the Musée de l'Armée is a deep dive into France's military past. The collections are organized chronologically, allowing you to follow the evolution of France's armies through the centuries. You'll discover rooms dedicated to medieval warfare, the French Revolution, the two World Wars and contemporary conflicts.

One of the museum' s most emblematic sites is the tomb of Napoleon I, located beneath the famous golden dome of theHôtel des Invalides. It is a place of recollection for many visitors, offering a unique insight into the life and legend of the French emperor.

To plan your visit to the Musée de l'Armée, here's some practical information:

• Opening hours: The museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on January 1, May 1 and December 25.

• Admission: Adult admission is €15 full price, €12 concessions, while under-26s from the European Union and under-18s enjoy free admission. Discounts are also available for groups, students and teachers.

• Access: The Musée de l'Armée is easily accessible by public transport. You can take metro line 8 (La Tour-Maubourg station) or RER C (Invalides station).

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Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about France's military past, a visit to the Musée de l'Armée promises an enriching and captivating experience. Come and explore the pages of history and discover the heroes and events that have shaped the destiny of the French nation.

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