Private War Museum Tour in Paris with Babylon Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; comfortable walking ability recommended
Overview
Step inside Paris’s Musée de l’Armée on a private, expert-led tour that reveals France’s critical roles in both World Wars. Discover iconic weapons, revealing stories, and unseen footage in an immersive two-hour journey.
Les Invalides War Museum Guided Tour - Private (ENGLISH)
2 hrs | SKIP-THE-LINE | World Wars | Perfect for History and War Buffs
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 2-hour private tour of the Musée de l’Armée, guided by an expert. Explore pivotal events and figures from both World Wars, witness iconic artifacts like the Renault FT tank, and uncover the stories of bravery that shaped France's military history. A unique journey through time awaits!
Book way in advance - we sell out
Rates
- Adult: - €105 - €269
- Youth: - €105 (Ages 10 - 17)
- Child: - €85 (9 and under)
Duration
2 hours
Meeting Point
Meet your guide outside the main gate of Invalides
About
- The Musée de l’Armée houses an impressive collection of artifacts, videos, and displays that detail both World Wars.
- On this 2 hour private tour, your knowledgeable guide will lead you through their histories, detailing the role that France played in helping to defeat its enemies and bring peace to Europe – and the world – on both occasions.
- This tour is in English.
Includes
- Skip-The-Line Private Museum Tour
- Professional Tour Guide Exclusively For You
- Tour Includes All Entrance Fees
- Duration 2 Hours
- Wheelchair Friendly
Excludes
- Tour price does NOT include Hotel Pickup or Drop-Off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour does NOT include gratuities (OPTIONAL)
Full Tour Description
The Musée de l’Armée houses an impressive collection of artifacts, videos, and displays that detail both World Wars. On this 2 hour private guided museum tour, your knowledgeable guide will lead you through their histories, detailing the role that France played in helping to defeat its enemies and bring peace to Europe – and the world – on both occasions.
To understand these fascinating but tragic wars, your guide will give you context dating back to the 19th century, introducing characters like Bismarck during the Franco-Prussian War. Once everyone is on the same page, the tour will trace the sparks that set off this global war, notably the assassination of Franz Ferdinand. You’ll see the equipment, uniforms, weapons, and other artifacts used on the battlefields. Hear all about the successful Battle of the Marne while seeing one of the iconic taxis that made a French success possible. View original footage detailing the atrocities before arriving at the Treaty of Versailles. You’ll even see the train car where the armistice was signed, ending the war. Next, follow Hitler’s ascent to power in Germany, leading to the arguably more atrocious World War II. Your guide will discuss significant events like the Ligne Maginot, Dunkerque, and the Occupation of Paris while pointing out some surprising artifacts. Learn about powerful men like Pétain and De Gaulle who helped guide France through the war. You will discover stories behind the battles of Normandy and the Liberation of Paris, a city which survived, miraculously, without many scars to show.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early at the Meeting Point
Meet your guide at least 10 minutes before the tour start outside the main entrance of Hôtel des Invalides to ensure a timely start.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking through several museum galleries; comfortable footwear helps keep you focused on the exhibits.
Limit Bag Size
Only small handbags or slim backpacks are allowed inside the museum; large bags will be refused during security checks.
Bring Photo ID
Carry valid identification or passport copies for check-in and ticket verification with your guide.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Common city birds like pigeons and sparrows frequent the Invalides grounds
History
Hôtel des Invalides was constructed in the late 17th century by Louis XIV as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans, later housing the Musée de l’Armée collections.
Conservation
The museum practices careful preservation of wartime artifacts and encourages responsible tourism to protect the building’s historic fabric.
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Adventure Hotspots in Paris
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Needed to comfortably navigate the museum’s halls and standing during the tour.
Weather-Appropriate Jacket
Keeps you warm, especially during cooler seasons and outdoor transitions.
fall specific
Small Bag or Purse
Only small bags are allowed inside the museum security checkpoint.
Photo ID or Passport
Required for entry and ticket verification.