From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
RAKOTOMALALA Aro Tsitohaina Ambinintsoa
FR

Rakotomalala

France
Dec 2025

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I had a magical time. The manipulation of sound and visuals was undeniably magical. I also toured the chapels, which made the experience even more enriching in terms of general culture.
Bruno Cesar Goncalves da Silva
BR

Bruno

Brazil
Jan 2026

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The quality and comfort of the boat, as well as the guide presenting beautiful Paris in several languages, which is very good and makes it easier for tourists!
Kattia Morales
US

Kattia

United States
Dec 2025

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We loved the cruise ride the guide was very informative about the top places and prepared us before we saw them so we could take pictures.
Joao Rafael Neves e Souza
PT

Joao

Portugal
Dec 2025

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Visiting Les Invalides was impressive. The museum is huge, and the collection of knight armor is astonishing. Really enjoyed the visit.
Floriane Deneuville-Mayer
FR

Floriane

France
Nov 2025

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+1 more

Despite the crowds, I didn't have to wait for anything, and was able to take the tour as I wished, at my own pace and according to my own emotions. It's a magnificent place, steeped in history, where you feel accompanied by the people, young and old, who made it happen.
Kemilly Larissa Ferreira de Matos
BR

Kemilly

Brazil
Aug 2025

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The museum is beautiful. The garden is a spectacle in itself. It was the first museum I went to in Paris, a delight to spend the day in. Take your time, the museum isn't big but it's worth spending time sitting in the garden enjoying the view. I was surprised. Everything worked out with the ticket and it also avoided the queues.
Iwona Głowacka
AT

Iwona

Austria
Aug 2025

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Extremely big museum worth seeing if you're into history - with elements for kids as well! The ticketing was easy, although if you are eligible for a free ticket you need to get it at the counter first since they need to check your ID. Otherwise it was great, the cruise was also a very cool experience with great sights + the departure was every 30 mins for us so we could plan it really well - overall definitely worth booking!
GUERITEAU JEAN-LUC
FR

Gueriteau

France
Jan 2026
Ease of obtaining tickets Easy-to-install phone app and smooth page navigation for obtaining ordered tickets

Top things to do in Paris

Army Museum Paris | Where French military history comes alive 

Paris's Army Museum (Musée de l'Armée) is one of the three largest arms museums in the world and home to one of the biggest military history and art collections on the planet. With over 500,000 objects on display, this museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in military history.

The Army Museum Paris is located inside the majestic complex of Les Invalides and access to it is included in the main entry ticket. Access to the Army Museum is included in all Les Invalides tickets.

Why visit the Army Museum Paris? 

  • History enthusiasts and anybody seeking a distinctive educational experience should not miss the Paris Army Museum, which features interactive displays, informative guides, and fascinating artifacts.
  • Every room in the Army Museum is devoted to a different period of French and European military history, making it a site full of memory and history. 
  • Over 500,000 objects from the Bronze Age to the present day are part of the museum's collection. The museum has a wide range of displays, such as armor, weaponry, uniforms, paintings, sculptures, and souvenirs.
  • The Army Museum often hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase various facets of military history, weapons, and uniforms in addition to its permanent holdings. 
  • Learn about the technological innovations, such as modern fighter jets and ancient siege engines, that have made the Paris Army a formidable force. 
  • The collection shows the evolution of military equipment from the 13th to the 17th century but don’t miss out on spotting Napoleon Bonaparte’s personal belongings.
  • The Army Museum was created in 1905 with the merger of the Artillery Museum and the Army History Museum.

Army Museum in a nut shell

Army Museum Paris

The Army Museum is one of the world’s largest military museums, located in the historic Les Invalides. It offers an unparalleled journey through France’s military history, spanning medieval battles to modern warfare.

Highlights: Napoleon’s artifacts, including personal items that shaped his legendary image.

What makes It unique?
Compared to other military museums, the Army Museum’s setting in Les Invalides, originally built by Louis XIV to honor war veterans, and the breadth of its collection makes it a truly standout attraction.

Fun facts:

  • The museum houses one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s bicorne hats, tilted sideways to make him instantly recognizable on the battlefield.
  • The museum’s Courtyard of Cannons displays one of the world’s oldest and most extensive artillery collections, with pieces dating back to the 17th century.

Your Army Museum Paris tickets explained

Is Army Museum access included?Why go for it?Book now

Skip-the-line tickets

Save time with priority entry and gain more time exploring

Invalides: Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets (Starting at €12)

Guided tour

Guided by an expert, hear interesting tidbits otherwise unknown

Invalides & Napoleon's Tomb Guided Tour (starting from €109.90)

Combo deals

Cover more with just one ticket. Great for those traveling on a budget and with time constraints

Combo (Save 5%): Invalides Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum + Rodin Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets (starting from €28.50)

What to see inside the Army Museum?

The Gallery of Battles

This grand 120-meter-long gallery is one of the museum's most iconic spaces, dedicated to France’s major military triumphs and challenges throughout history.

Highlights:

  • Large-scale paintings depicting battles like Austerlitz, Waterloo, and Verdun.
  • Portraits and accompanying artifacts that commemorate military leaders and key historical moments.

The Department of Weapons and Armor

Enter one of the Army Museum's most popular areas and admire an amazing collection of armor, swords, shields, and other defensive and attack items.

Highlights:

  • Full-body armor that was designed for jousting and warfare.
  • Some standout pieces include armor made for ceremonial purposes, decorated horse armor, and the armor of royalty and noblemen.

The Royal Room

This room is dedicated to showcasing royal and ceremonial armor from France’s past, with a particular emphasis on the armor and regalia of French kings and nobility.

Highlights:

  • The Royal Room contains some of the most spectacular pieces of armor ever crafted for French royalty including the armor of King Louis XIV.
  • The Royal Room is rich with ceremonial armor designed for tournaments and state events, not just battle.

The Medieval Room

This room showcases the evolution of armor, weaponry, and battle tactics during the medieval period, covering key conflicts such as the Hundred Years' War and the Crusades.

Highlights:

  • The room contains an impressive collection of medieval armor, including full suits of plate armor worn by knights during the 12th to 15th centuries.
  • The Medieval Room contains a wide range of medieval weapons, including swords, spears, axes, crossbows, and maces.

Hall of the Great War (WWI)

This room focuses on the First World War (1914-1918), exploring its historical, military, and human dimensions through an impressive collection of artifacts, weapons, and multimedia displays.

Highlights:

  • The Hall of the Great War houses an extensive collection of weapons used during World War, including but not limited to Rifles, machine guns, and bayonets.
  • One of the most powerful parts of the exhibition is its representation of trench warfare, which dominated much of the fighting on the Western Front.

World War II Hall

The World War II Hall exhibition presents the war's global impact with a particular focus on France's involvement, its experiences during the occupation, the Resistance movement, and the eventual liberation.

Highlights:

  • The exhibition includes photographs, posters, and propaganda materials that depict the chaos and shock of the German Blitzkrieg.
  • The Resistance movement is a key focus of the exhibition. It showcases the bravery of those who fought against Nazi occupation in France, often at great personal risk.

Hall of Military Innovation

The Hall of Military Innovation (Salle de l'Innovation Militaire) focuses on the technological advancements and military innovations that have shaped modern warfare, particularly from the 19th century to the present day.

Highlights:

  • Key displays showcase how weapons evolved from muskets and rifles in the 19th century to the advanced firearms, artillery, and missile systems of the 21st century.
  • The museum displays examples of early tanks like the Renault FT, which was one of the first fully rotational turret tanks used during WWI, as well as later models like World War II-era tanks and modern armored vehicles.

Underground Command Center

It is a part of the museum's offerings that allows visitors to explore a key piece of military history related to World War II and the German occupation of Paris.

Highlights:

  • The Underground Command Center was originally part of the French military headquarters during the early part of World War II and the German occupation of Paris (1940-1944).
  • During the Nazi occupation, the underground center was used by key figures in the French Resistance to direct covert operations and share intelligence with the Allies.

The Army Museum and the role it plays

Historical significance

The Army Museum at Les Invalides in Paris is not only one of the most important military museums in the world, but it is also a place of profound historical and cultural significance. It serves as both a repository of France’s military heritage and a symbol of its national identity, offering insight into the evolution of warfare, the personal sacrifices made during conflicts, and the rich history of the French military.

The Army Museum plays an essential role in the construction and perpetuation of French national identity, especially the country's enduring respect for its military traditions. Throughout French history, the military has been a major unifying force, representing ideals of patriotism, honor, and sacrifice.

The museum’s vast collection of military artifacts, including weapons, armor, tanks, and airplanes, also reflects the technological evolution of warfare. It chronicles the advancements in military technology, from the medieval period (with armor and weaponry) to the industrial era (with artillery, tanks, and airplanes), and the modern era (with nuclear weapons and cyber warfare).

Cultural signifiance

While the museum’s displays are undoubtedly focused on military achievements and strategies, there is also a strong emphasis on the human cost of war. The Hall of the Great War (WWI) and the World War II Hall are particularly poignant in depicting the loss of life, the trauma of soldiers, and the resilience of civilians.

While the museum is primarily dedicated to France's military history, it also places France within a larger global context. The museum’s collection of foreign military artifacts, such as the American and British military collections, reflects the interconnectedness of global conflicts.

As a national institution, the Musée de l'Armée serves as a vital educational tool for both French citizens and international visitors. It provides access to the history of warfare, military strategy, and the impact of conflict on the world through immersive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and guided tours.

Frequently asked questions about the Army Museum

With a ticket to the complex of Les Invalides, you will get access to the Army Museum as well.