Musée de l'Armée

The Musée de l'Armée was opened in 1905. It combined two already existing museums, the Artillery Museum and the Historical Army Museum.

Situated at Les Invalides, the expansive French Army Museum covers war from the stone age to Hiroshima. The museum boasts a nearly unparalleled selection of artifacts, artwork, uniforms, and personal effects from many wars. Special attention is given to 17th and 18th century wars beginning with the reign of Louis XIV, the Napoleonic Wars, the Franco-Prussian War and World War I and II.
The World War II exhibition is particularly extensive and covers several rooms, with displays on the German invasion, the occupation of France, the resistance and liberation. There's also coverage of the Holocaust, the American involvement in the war as well as the war in the Pacific.
Visitors can also view a large collection of ancient arms and armor from the 13th to 17th centuries as well as hunting and tournament weapons and armour. A part of the museum is dedicated to oriental weapons between the 15th and 20th century. There are also some artifacts from France’s participation in the American Revolution.

The museum’s collection is divided into several categories and there is an area devoted to each. The categories include: ancient weapons and armour; classical section; 19th century section; contemporary section; emblems (which includes flags and pennants); artillery; historical figurines and paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs.

For fans of Napoleon, there are some very rare items to view, including the general’s own uniforms and hats, his field tent, and his personal trophies. The collection of period uniforms, in general, is fascinating and is among the most extensive of any such collection in the world.

Guided tours for adults are reasonably priced and usually last between 90 and 120 minutes. They are often themed though some just present a general overview of what’s inside the museum. Kids tours and workshops are also available. However, all the tours are conducted in French.

Visitors to the museum can also include a visit to the tomb of Napoleon - there's a combined entrance fee for the tomb and the museum. The tomb is located on the premises inside the Dome Church. Also buried there are two of his brothers and his son. Some guided tours include a visit to the tomb.