War museums in France

The Arc de Triomphe, a historic monument, is situated in the heart of Charles de Gaulle Square, on the western side of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France. The monument stands at a height of 45 meters, a width of 22 meters, and a length of 49 meters. This iconic structure is a significant symbol of French history and a prominent landmark in the city.

The Overlord Museum, located in Colleville-sur-Mer in the Calvados department of the Normandy region, is a museum dedicated to the Battle of Normandy. It provides a comprehensive history of the six armies involved in the battle, from the landing to the liberation of Paris. The museum's exhibits are based on a collection that has been built up over more than 40 years, consisting mainly of objects and vehicles from the Normandy soil.

The Normandy Victory Museum is a privately owned institution situated in Catz, a delegated municipality of Carentan-les-Marais, in the Manche department of Normandy. This location is steeped in history and provides a unique setting for the museum, which is dedicated to the events of World War II.

The Juno Beach Centre is a museum that is situated in Courseulles-sur-Mer, a town in the Calvados region of Normandy, France. This location is significant as it is immediately behind the beach codenamed Juno, where 14,000 Canadian troops landed on D-Day, 6 June 1944. The museum was established to commemorate and represent the contributions and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers during the liberation of Europe.

The Musée de l'Armée (the Army Museum) in paris is located in the Cathédrale de Saint-Louis-des-Invalides, which is part of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris. Its historical military collection comprises more than 500,000 objects from the Middle Ages to modern times, including pieces like photos, pai

The Bordeaux Submarine Base was designed to accommodate up to 30 submarines. It featured dry docks and two basins connected by locks. This impressive infrastructure showcases the strategic importance of the base during the war and provides a unique insight into the naval operations of the time.

The birthplace of Charles de Gaulle, a significant figure in French history, is now a museum located in Lille, a city in northern France. This museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the life and times of Charles de Gaulle, providing a historical context to his life and achievements.

Vilhelm Erobraren, also known as Landvinnar and Bastarden, was a significant historical figure who played a crucial role in shaping the history of England. He was a Norman prince who invaded England in 1066, introducing Norman rule in the country. His actions had a profound impact on the political and cultural landscape of England, marking the beginning of a new era.

The Memorial Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux provides a detailed account of the 77 days of the Battle of Normandy, which took place from June 7 to August 29, 1944. This historical event is crucial to understanding the course of World War II, and the museum offers an in-depth exploration of this period.

The Historical Museum of Strasbourg, located in a Renaissance building that was once a slaughterhouse, is dedicated to showcasing the city's history. The museum's exhibits span from the early Middle Ages to the contemporary period, providing a comprehensive view of Strasbourg's past. Visitors can expect to learn about the city's political, economic, and social history through a variety of exhibits.

The Overlord Museum, located in Colleville-sur-Mer in the Calvados department of the Normandy region, is dedicated to the Battle of Normandy. This museum provides a comprehensive history of the six armies involved in the Battle of Normandy, from the landing to the liberation of Paris.

The Musée des Blindés, also known as the Musée Général Estienne, is a renowned tank museum situated in the picturesque town of Saumur in the Loire Valley of France. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in armoured vehicles and the history of their development. It offers a unique opportunity to explore a vast collection of tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles from different periods and nations.

Le Château de Péronne is a significant historical site located in the town of Péronne, in the eastern part of the Somme department. This medieval castle has a rich history dating back to the Merovingian era and has been the residence of several notable figures throughout the centuries. Today, it houses the entrance to the Historial de la Grande Guerre, a museum dedicated to the Great War.

The Napoleon Museum in Monte Carlo, Monaco, was a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts that once belonged to the French Emperor Napoleon I. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the life and reign of one of the most influential figures in European history.

The National Jean Moulin Center in Bordeaux is a museum and documentation center that focuses on the history of World War II. It particularly highlights the French Resistance, the deportation of Jews and other groups, and the Free French Forces. The center was established in 1967 and has been attached to the Aquitaine Museum since April 2006. It provides reference works on the period of the Second World War.

The Bayeux Tapestry is a significant historical artifact, measuring half a meter in height and 70 meters in length. It is an embroidered cloth that vividly illustrates the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This monumental piece of art provides a detailed narrative of a pivotal moment in history, making it a fascinating exhibit for visitors interested in history and art.

The Camp des Milles, located near the village of Les Milles in Aix-en-Provence, was a French internment camp that opened in September 1939. The camp was situated in a former tile factory, adding a unique historical context to the site. Today, visitors can explore this significant part of history and gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place during World War II.

The Musée de la Résistance et de la Déportation de l’Isère, located in Grenoble, France, has a rich history dating back to its original opening in 1966. Initially named the Musée de la Résistance Dauphinoise, it was dedicated to local resistance networks. Over the years, the museum has undergone significant renovations and has been in its current location in the rue Hébert since 1994.

The Carrière Wellington is a museum located in Arras, a city in northern France. The museum is named after a former underground quarry, which was part of a network of tunnels used by the forces of the British Empire and Commonwealth during the First World War. This network of tunnels played a significant role in the Battle of Arras in 1917, and the museum commemorates the soldiers who built and used these tunnels.

The Museum of the Great War is located in Meaux, France, approximately 50 kilometers east of Paris. This museum, dedicated to World War I, was inaugurated on November 11, 2011. It provides a comprehensive look into the events and impacts of the war, making it a significant destination for those interested in history and specifically, World War I.

The Château de Termes, located near the village of Termes in the Aude département of France, is a historical site with a rich past. This ruined castle is one of the so-called Cathar castles, built on a promontory and defended on three sides by deep ravines. The ruins of the castle cover an area of 16,000 square metres, offering a glimpse into the past and the architectural prowess of the time.

The Mémorial de la Shoah (Center de documentation juive contemporaine, CDJC) is the central memorial to the Holocaust in France, located in Paris. Focus is the persecution of the Jews in occupied France and under the Vichy regime from 1940-1944. The Mémorial de la Shoah is also a museum where visito

The Napoleonic Museum of Île-d'Aix is a significant part of the National Napoleonic Museums in France. It is located in Île-d'Aix in Charente-Maritime, a region known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The museum offers a unique insight into the life and times of Napoleon I, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Corps Franc Pommiès (CFP) is a significant part of French history, founded on November 17, 1942 by André Pommiès. This Pyrenean corps operated throughout the South-West region after the sponsorship of the ORA proposed on February 17, 1943, a territorial subordination offer accepted by André Pommiès. The CFP is a testament to the resilience and bravery of the French resistance during World War II.

The Linge Memorial Museum is a significant historical site located in the municipality of Orbey, in the Haut-Rhin department. It serves as a memorial to the First World War, specifically the Battle of Linge, which took place between July 20, 1915, and October 16, 1915. The museum provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about this crucial period in history and pay their respects to those who lost their lives.

The Normandy Victory Museum is a privately owned institution situated in Catz, a delegated municipality of Carentan-les-Marais, in the Manche department of Normandy. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique insight into the events of World War II, making it a significant point of interest for those visiting the region.

The Centre d'histoire du Mémorial 14-18, previously known as Lens 14-18, is a free interpretation center situated in Souchez. The center is dedicated to the events of the First World War that took place in Artois and French Flanders. This makes it a significant location for those interested in understanding the history and impact of the First World War in these regions.

The Froissy–Dompierre narrow-gauge railway, also known as P'tit Train de la Haute Somme, is a 7 km long railway with a gauge of 600 mm. It runs from Froissy, a district of La Neuville-lès-Bray, to Dompierre-Becquincourt, passing through Cappy in the Somme department in France. This railway offers a unique experience of travelling through the beautiful landscapes of the region.

The Mémorial Ascq 1944 is a museum dedicated to commemorating the Ascq massacre that took place in April 1944. The museum is situated in the Ascq district of Villeneuve-d'Ascq. It serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of war and is a place of reflection and learning.

The Centre d'histoire de la résistance et de la déportation (the Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation), also called the Museumm of the Resistance is a museum in Lyon that is situated on the former site of a French military health school. The museum illustrates the French Resistan

The Musée de la résistance et de la déportation de Picardie, located in Tergnier, Aisne, is a museum dedicated to the history of the Resistance in the Aisne department in Picardy. It is recognized as a museum of France, a designation that signifies its importance and quality.

The Maison de la Bataille de la Peene is a museum situated in the town of Noordpeene. It is dedicated to the Battle of Peene and the culture of French Flanders. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the region and understand the significant events that shaped its past.

The Verlaine Message Museum, also known as the Museum of 5 June 1944, is a historical museum that was founded in 1991. It is located in the city of Tourcoing, which is near Lille in France. The museum is named after a significant event that took place during World War II, specifically the message sent by the BBC's Radio Londres announcing the imminent invasion of Normandy.

The Bunker de La Rochelle, also known as the Musée rochelais de la Dernière Guerre, is a museum situated in the city of La Rochelle, in the Charente-Maritime region of France. The museum's primary focus is on World War II, specifically the occupation of La Rochelle and its surrounding areas from 1939 to 1945. It provides a detailed insight into the historical events that took place during this period.

The Maison Natale du Maréchal Joffre, also known as the Musée du Maréchal Joffre, is a museum located in Rivesaltes, Pyrénées-Orientales. It is dedicated to the memory of French Marshal Joseph Joffre. The museum showcases collections, memorabilia, and documents that reflect the popularity of Marshal Joffre and provide insights into his extraordinary life and career.

The Musée de la Préfecture de Police is a museum that is housed in the Hôtel de police in Paris that is dedicated to police history. The collection of this police museum in Paris contains photographs, letters, memorabilia, and drawings that illustrate major events in the history of France, famous cr

The Fort of the Crèche, completed in 1879, is a coastal battery of the Séré de Rivières system. It is located near Wimereux, in the Pas-de-Calais region, on the tip of Pointe de la Crèche. This fortification is a significant part of the region's history and offers a glimpse into the military strategies of the past.

The Mémorial du 19 août 1942 is a museum that pays tribute to the Dieppe Raid that took place on August 19, 1942. This historical event is a significant part of World War II history, and the museum provides an in-depth look into the events and circumstances surrounding the raid.

The Musée des Plans-Reliefs is a museum that is housed in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, dedicated to military models. The Musée des Plans-Reliefs exhibits almost 30 plans-reliefs of fortifications along the English Channel, the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and the Pyrenees. Furthermore it

The Musée Clemenceau is a house museum in Paris that preserves the apartment and garden of Georges Clemenceau (1841–1929), who was a French politician who was Prime Minister of France during the First World War, who lived here from 1895 until his death. The museum preserves the apartment as it was w

Musée du Général Leclerc de Hauteclocque et de la Libération de Paris - Musée Jean Moulin is a museum that is located on the roof garden of Gare Montparnasse in Paris. Exhibits in the museum include underground newspapers, propaganda posters of the Vichy regime, uniforms of the Marshal of Africa and

The South Africa (Delville Wood) National Memorial is a significant war monument situated in the municipality of Longueval, in the French department of Somme, Hauts-de-France region. This memorial is a tribute to the South African soldiers who lost their lives during the World War II. It is a place of historical significance and a reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.

The Museum of National Resistance (MRN) is a network of museums dedicated to the French Resistance during World War II. Its main site is located in Champigny-sur-Marne, a town situated to the east of Paris. This museum is part of a larger network that includes other sites across France, making it a significant point of interest for those interested in the history of the French Resistance.

Established in 1872, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Belfort is the oldest museum in the city. It offers a rich history and a wide range of exhibits, making it a significant cultural landmark in Belfort.

The Bullecourt 1917, Jean and Denise Letaille museum, is a French military museum dedicated to the First World War. It is situated in the town of Bullecourt, a location that holds significant historical importance due to its involvement in the war. The museum offers a comprehensive insight into the events and experiences of the war, making it a valuable destination for those interested in history and military affairs.

Fort des Dunes, located in the dunes of the North Sea coast in the French municipality of Leffrinkhoeke, is a historical site built in the late 19th century. Designed by General Séré de Rivières, the fort was constructed with the purpose of defending the east of Dunkirk against potential enemy attacks. The fort's strategic location in the dunes, which could not be inundated, allowed it to block the access route through the dunes.

The Artillery Museum, situated at the Military Schools of Draguignan in Var, France, offers a comprehensive look into the technical and tactical evolution of French artillery. The museum's collections include cannons, ammunition, individual weapons, and uniforms, as well as detailed reconstructions. These exhibits span from the Middle Ages to the present day, providing a thorough historical overview for visitors.

The Museum of Resistance and Deportation in Besançon is a significant cultural and tourist site located in the heart of the Citadel of Besançon. It carries the label of Museum of France, indicating its national importance and the quality of its collections. The museum's location within the Citadel, a historic fortification, adds to its appeal and provides a unique setting for its exhibits.

The Museum of Art and History Paul-Éluard is the municipal museum of Saint-Denis. It was founded in 1901 and moved to its current location in the historic Carmel building in 1981. This building, located between Gabriel-Péri Street and Legion of Honor Street, was classified as a historic monument in 1978.

The Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni prison served as the primary penal colony in French Guiana for over a hundred years. Some of the prison buildings underwent restoration in the early 1980s, preserving their historical significance.

The Centre for Resistance, Deportation and Memory (CRDM) is situated at 6, Place Victor-Hugo, in Blois. This location is easily accessible and central, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.

The Museum of Local History in Rueil-Malmaison is a historical museum situated in the Hauts-de-Seine department, close to Paris. It is housed in the former town hall of Rueil-Malmaison, a building with its own historical significance. The museum offers a deep dive into the local history and heritage of the region.

Le Grand Blockhaus is a museum situated in Batz-sur-Mer, in the French department of Loire Atlantique. This museum was once a bunker that was part of the Atlantic Wall. It has been transformed into a museum that recreates a German command post from World War II. The museum also traces the history of the Saint Nazaire pocket, providing visitors with a unique insight into this period of history.

The Militarial is a peace museum situated in Boissezon, a commune in the Tarn department of the Occitanie region in southern France. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the area while also learning about the importance of peace and the devastating effects of war.

The Parachute Memorial Museum, situated in Lons, France, is a historical institution that was officially inaugurated in 1984. The museum is dedicated to tracing the history of French military parachutists, from their inception to their current engagements. It provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and development of French airborne troops, making it a significant destination for those interested in military history.

Musée Départemental de la Résistance et de la Déportation in Toulouse exhibits items such as photos and clothing, which remind visitors of the deportations by Nazis.

The Musée du Service de Santé des Armées (The Museum of the French Defence Health Service) in Paris has been open to the public since 1986 and is dedicated to the French Defence Health Service. The foundation of the museum dates back to the creation of the School of Application of the Military Healt

The Paratroopers Memorial Museum, situated in Lons, France, is a historical institution that was officially inaugurated in 1984. The museum is dedicated to tracing the history of French military paratroopers, from their inception to their current engagements. It provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and development of the paratrooper forces, making it a significant destination for those interested in military history.

The Museum of Memory, located in the town of Portet-sur-Garonne in the Occitanie region, is a French museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the Récébédou camp and internment camps more broadly. The museum is housed in a former building of the Récébédou concentration camp, adding a layer of historical authenticity to the exhibits.

The Museum of the Second World War Roger Bellon is a private institution dedicated to the events and actors of World War II. It was established by Roger Bellon in the 1960s and has since been a significant site for understanding the history of the war.