Musee de l'Armee Les Invalides

[SJWi]

I'm sure this will be a "must visit" for most gamers visiting Paris. I've just spent 3 hours there whilst the wife and kids visited the tourist hot-spots, and I could have stayed longer.

 Apart from the obligatory visit to Napoleon's tomb there are several fascinating collections. The section on Medieval and Renaissance armour is excellent,  the part on "Louis XIV-Napoleon" fascinating but not very chronological, and I need say no more about Napoleon. If you are into the Franco-Prussian war that is well covered, and the WW1 and WW2 galleries very modern and informative. One section containing dioramas of French town and ciry defences was truly excellent.

 A few things to note;

 If you use Google maps to get there it takes to the wrong place! The entrance is from Esplanade des Invalides.

Both the cafe and restaurant were shut, as was the bookshop.

Most signage and caption boards are in English but the signs can be misleading

 Still, well worth a visit

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

Thanks for sharing! I've been to Paris, but never got to see Les Invalides. If I ever go back its on the top of the to-do list.

[HerbertTarkel]

It?s a fabulous museum. There was a parade going on with the officers from the academy around the way. Very nice to see. Spoke with a few after the parade, too.

If you?re looking closely, there?s a missing marshal?s baton; you?ll find it at the British museum if I recall at the Tower.

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

It?s a fabulous museum. There was a parade going on with the officers from the academy around the way. Very nice to see. Spoke with a few after the parade, too.

If you?re looking closely, there?s a missing marshal?s baton; you?ll find it at the British museum if I recall at the Tower.

It's not missing, it's where it belongs with the winners. (Joking)

[SJWi]

I was visiting together with two French ex-work colleagues. When we found the preserved remains of one of Napoleon's horses one of them mentioned that of course 'Marengo" was his most famous steed . I had to confess to him that we Brits have Marengo's skeleton in the National Army Museum at Chelsea.

[HerbertTarkel]

I was visiting together with two French ex-work colleagues. When we found the preserved remains of one of Napoleon's horses one of them mentioned that of course 'Marengo" was his most famous steed . I had to confess to him that we Brits have Marengo's skeleton in the National Army Museum at Chelsea.

 

[bluewillow]

It is a fantastic museum, I try to visit once or twice every year or additional visits when special events are on that I am interested in. If you have time also visit the Legion of Honour museum opposite musee D?Orsay.

You must of been there on Sunday or Monday for the shop and the restaurant was closed. Or there are renovations on.

Cheers
Matt
French Wargame Holidays

[SJWi]

Matt, the area for both the shop and restaurants was closed/abandoned. One of my French colleagues asked one of the staff who confirmed "closed" but added no detail. The only gift shop was a,small one close to Napoleon's tomb. It probably saved me a lot of cash!

[Captain Gars]

It is a shame the restaurant was closed.  On my first visit, many years ago, the restaurant had very many military miniatures along the walls.  On my second visit, the number of miniatures had significantly decreased. I wondered if any figures were left.

If not, with luck they were transferred to the military figures museum in Compiegne, which is closed for relocation.

https://www.musees-compiegne.fr/musee-de-la-figurine-historique/

[Cosmotiger]

I was there last year. I was very impressed with the V-2 in the stairwell!

[SJWi]

Captain Gars, if by miniatures you mean model soldiers there is anow a dedicated room housing a collection of old model soldiers. It could be that these are the same ones?

Cosmotiger, yes the V2 was very impressive as was the V1 hanging from the ceiling, albeit my mate and I did wonder if the latter was a replica.

[Moriarty]

Be aware, when I attempted a visit, years ago, it was closed first (iirc) Monday of the month.

[SJWi]

The website says it is open every day except December 25th, January 1st and May1st. That said it was closed part of yesterday apparently due to a visit by members of the Danish Royal family.