Paris is packed with museums—but if you’ve got a soft spot for military history, two stand out from the crowd. The Army Museum offers centuries of ground warfare, grand uniforms and Napoleon’s final resting place, all tucked inside the stunning Hôtel des Invalides. Meanwhile, the Museum of Air and Space takes you skyward, with fighter jets, satellites and even Concorde aircraft on display. Whether you’re a history buff or an aviation nerd, both deliver something special. So which should you visit first? Let’s break it down.
📌 The lowdown
Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée)
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Housed inside the Hôtel des Invalides, one of Paris’s most striking buildings
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Home to Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb—yes, the Napoleon
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Extensive collections of weapons, armour, and military artefacts from medieval times to WWII
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Includes the Museum of Contemporary History and Charles de Gaulle Historial
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Stunning gold dome, marble halls, and peaceful courtyards
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Included with The Paris Pass
Museum of Air and Space (Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace)
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Located at Le Bourget Airport, just outside Paris
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One of the world’s oldest aviation museums
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Features real aircraft including Concorde, fighter jets and early flying machines
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Space section includes satellites, rockets, and astronaut gear
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Offers cockpit visits, virtual simulations, and hands-on exhibits
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Included with The Paris Pass
🧭 Sounds good, tell me more...
🧭 Sounds good, tell me more...
A visit to the Army Museum
Set inside the stunning Hôtel des Invalides, the Army Museum is a journey through France’s military past, starting with ancient armour and ending with World War II. The space is vast and beautifully curated, with rooms filled with suits of armour, sabres, muskets, and battle standards. You’ll explore themed galleries covering everything from the French Revolution to the Cold War.
One of the standout moments? Visiting Napoleon’s tomb beneath the museum’s grand golden dome. It’s a surprisingly moving space, designed to awe—and it does. The museum is calm, respectful, and easy to explore at your own pace.
There’s also the Charles de Gaulle Historial, packed with immersive multimedia displays, and a museum of contemporary conflicts, which looks at more modern warfare through objects, photos, and personal stories. Military buff or not, it’s hard not to be impressed by the scale and detail.
A visit to the Museum of Air and Space
Located at Le Bourget Airport, the Museum of Air and Space is the kind of place where you look up a lot. There are fighter jets suspended overhead, entire aircraft you can walk through, and hangars filled with aviation milestones from the past century.
The space is divided into themed zones—early aviation, military aircraft, civil aviation, and space exploration. You can step inside a real Concorde, climb into a fighter cockpit, and check out astronaut suits, satellite models, and rocket engines. It’s got that “giant toy box” energy that keeps kids and grown-ups equally entertained.
If you’re into tech, design, or just love the idea of flight, this museum will grab you. Some areas are more interactive than others, and the outdoor aircraft displays are a highlight when the weather’s good. Expect a lot of photos—and a little envy of pilots past.
🏛️ Okay, so which one is most impressive?
That depends on your definition of impressive. The Army Museum certainly delivers on grandeur. Between the stunning dome of Les Invalides, the towering marble columns, and Napoleon’s epic tomb, there’s a real sense of ceremony and scale. Add in centuries of military history and gleaming displays of armour, and it feels like stepping into a living monument.
But the Museum of Air and Space has its own kind of wow factor. You can walk beneath rocket engines, peer into a Concorde, and stand next to jet fighters. The sheer size of the aircraft on display is staggering—and when you’re walking through a hangar full of planes, it’s hard not to be impressed.
Both punch above their weight in different ways—architecture and atmosphere at the Army Museum, and massive machines at the Air and Space Museum.
🕹️ Which one is more fun?
For hands-on interactivity, the Museum of Air and Space takes off. You can tour cockpits, press buttons, and try flight simulators in some sections. Kids and adults alike tend to light up when they’re walking through an old plane or spotting satellites from below.
The Army Museum is more of a traditional museum experience—think reading panels, studying displays, and moving through chronologically arranged galleries. Fascinating, yes, but less physically interactive.
So if you’re travelling with a curious kid, a tactile learner, or someone who wants to do as well as see, the Air and Space Museum edges ahead on the fun scale.
🎨 Which is more beautiful?
The Army Museum, hands down, is one of the most elegant spots in Paris. Its galleries are set within the Hôtel des Invalides—an architectural gem—and the Dome Church that houses Napoleon’s tomb is spectacular. Light filters through stained glass, everything is in perfect symmetry, and even the weapons are presented like fine art.
The Air and Space Museum, meanwhile, is more utilitarian. The aircraft themselves are striking—sleek, shiny, and packed with engineering beauty—but the hangars are functional, not decorative. It’s less about the building, and more about what’s inside.
If you’re after soaring ceilings, polished marble and golden grandeur, the Army Museum wins for aesthetics.
🌇 Which has the better view?
🌇 Which has the better view?
While neither museum is perched high above the city like Sacré-Cœur, one does offer some postcard-worthy scenery.
At the Army Museum, the setting itself is part of the experience. The courtyard of Hôtel des Invalides is serene and symmetrical, with classical stone arches and historic statues. Step outside, and you’ll get beautiful views of the golden dome from the Esplanade des Invalides, especially in the late afternoon sun. The Eiffel Tower even peeks into view if you position yourself right.
The Museum of Air and Space, on the other hand, is all about internal views—think massive hangars filled with dramatic silhouettes of planes. You’re not here for skyline vistas but for the spectacle of engineering wonder.
If cityscapes and historic beauty are your thing, the Army Museum is your pick. For jaw-dropping interiors filled with flying machines, the Air and Space Museum holds its own.
🚇 How do I get there?
Army Museum
The Army Museum is located in central Paris, at Hôtel des Invalides in the 7th arrondissement. It’s super easy to reach by public transport:
- Metro: Take Line 8 or 13 to Invalides, or Line 13 to Varenne
- RER C: Stop at Invalides
- Bus: Lines 28, 63, 69, 82 and 92 all stop nearby
- From the station, it’s just a 5–10 minute walk, depending on where you disembark. And since you're close to the Eiffel Tower, it’s easy to pair with other sightseeing.
Museum of Air and Space
The Museum of Air and Space is at Le Bourget Airport, just north of Paris.
- Metro + Bus: Take Metro Line 7 to La Courneuve – 8 Mai 1945, then transfer to Bus 152 to Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace
- RER B: Stop at Le Bourget, then take Bus 152 or a 25-minute walk
- It’s outside the city centre, so give yourself a bit of extra travel time—but it’s straightforward, and the journey feels like part of the adventure.
👨👩👧👦 Best choice for families, couples or friends
Families
For kids who love planes, buttons and space suits, the Museum of Air and Space is a dream come true. It’s packed with excitement, especially if they get to step inside a cockpit or watch a simulator in action. Great for a half or full-day outing.
The Army Museum is quieter and more formal, but still offers plenty to explore for older children or teens interested in history and heroes. Napoleon’s tomb is always a hit.
Couples
The Army Museum brings more romance, thanks to its location and beautiful architecture. Strolling the courtyards, learning together, and sharing a quiet moment at the tomb creates a more intimate vibe.
That said, the Air and Space Museum is perfect for fun-loving duos who enjoy quirky experiences and geeking out together. It’s playful, unexpected, and off the beaten path.
Friends
With friends, both are strong options. If you’re short on time or want to stay central, the Army Museum fits easily into a day of sightseeing. If you’re up for a half-day trip with loads to discover (and a few group selfies in front of a jet), the Air and Space Museum brings a fun, dynamic energy.
🧒 I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more hands-on activities?
🧒 I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more hands-on activities?
The Museum of Air and Space is a playground for curious minds. There are interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and the chance to climb inside a Concorde or walk beneath a rocket. Kids can see how cockpits work, explore themed zones for civil and military aviation, and let their imaginations run wild. It’s a tactile, immersive experience that makes learning about science and engineering feel like an adventure.
The Army Museum, while fascinating, is a little more traditional. Most of the exhibits are behind glass, and the overall vibe is more reflective. That said, children who love knights, uniforms, or epic battles will enjoy the armour rooms and the historical storytelling. It’s perfect for older kids or history fans who don’t mind a quieter environment.
In short: for movement and interaction, head to the Air and Space Museum. For classic museum moments and grandeur, the Army Museum still has plenty to offer.
♿ What’s the accessibility like?
Army Museum
The Army Museum is centrally located and well-equipped for visitors with mobility needs. Elevators provide access to most floors, and the grounds around the Hôtel des Invalides are paved and spacious. Staff are on hand to assist, and there’s step-free access to Napoleon’s tomb as well. You can even borrow a wheelchair at the front desk.
Museum of Air and Space
Accessibility is strong at the Museum of Air and Space too, especially in the indoor hangars. There’s ramp access, wide corridors, and elevators in key areas. However, some parts of the experience—like entering aircraft cockpits—may be trickier for those with limited mobility. That said, you can still enjoy the full walk-throughs and exterior displays, and staff are helpful if you need assistance navigating the site.
Both museums take accessibility seriously, so you’re in good hands either way. If you're after more hands-on features, just check ahead to see which specific experiences are step-free.
🍽️ Best lunch spots nearby?
Near the Army Museum
Being in central Paris means you’re spoiled for choice. Just a few steps from the museum is Café de l’Esplanade, a stylish brasserie with terrace seating and front-row Eiffel Tower views. Expect French classics like steak tartare, croque-monsieur, and delicate pastries—served in a plush, elegant setting.
For something more casual, stroll over to Le Recrutement Café near Invalides station. It’s buzzing with locals and offers hearty bistro fare and great coffee. Their duck confit and onion soup are go-tos.
Need a fast bite? Maison Pichard on Rue de l’Abbé Grégoire is a bakery-lover’s dream, with quiches, sandwiches, and award-winning croissants.
Near the Museum of Air and Space
You’ll find fewer restaurants just outside the museum, but there are some solid options nearby. Try Le Bourget Café, a cosy French eatery with generous salads, fresh baguettes, and the kind of warm service that makes you feel like a regular.
Want to keep it simple? There’s a cafeteria inside the museum, ideal if you’re travelling with kids or on a schedule. You’ll find sandwiches, snacks, and drinks to fuel up mid-visit.
Alternatively, pack a picnic and eat outside among the planes—it’s surprisingly fun and photogenic.
📸 Where are the best photo opportunities?
At the Army Museum, the best shots are architectural. Snap a wide shot of the golden dome of Les Invalides, especially on a sunny day when it gleams against a blue sky. Inside, Napoleon’s tomb is as dramatic as they come, with sweeping marble staircases and intricate carvings—perfect for those moody heritage photos.
Don’t miss the inner courtyard, where old cannons line up under stone arches. It’s symmetrical, stately, and ideal for a posed shot (or a sneaky selfie).
At the Museum of Air and Space, the stars of your photos are the aircraft. Strike a pose beneath the Concorde, snap a jet from underneath, or zoom in on vintage instrument panels. Outdoors, you’ll find big planes parked on the tarmac—a backdrop that looks like a Cold War movie set. For the best light, aim for mid-morning or golden hour.
🍸 We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar in the area?
🍸 We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar in the area?
Near the Army Museum
For something classy, Bar du Central on Rue Saint-Dominique is a favourite for Parisians in the know. Their wine list is excellent, and the cocktails are spot-on. Try the French 75 or a kir royale for a Parisian twist.
After something more relaxed? Head to Le Petit Cler, a charming little bar on a cobbled market street. It’s perfect for a chilled glass of wine and a snack board.
Near the Museum of Air and Space
Le Bourget has a handful of friendly local bars.
For something atmospheric, try Chez Lulu, a short walk from the museum, with retro aviation décor and some solid wines and apéro snacks.
🧭 Any other good stuff nearby?
Around the Army Museum
You’re in prime Paris territory, so take full advantage. Just a short walk away is the Eiffel Tower, perfect for a scenic detour or a post-museum picnic on the Champ de Mars. If you're in the mood for more art and architecture, the Rodin Museum is just around the corner, with peaceful gardens and world-famous sculptures like The Thinker.
Fancy a riverside stroll? Head towards the Seine, where you’ll find the Alexander III Bridge—a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture and one of the best spots for a Paris sunset photo.
If you’re using The Paris Pass, this area is packed with attractions you can bundle together in one day.
Around the Museum of Air and Space
Once you've explored the exhibits at Le Bourget, consider making your way to Parc de la Courneuve—a sprawling green space that’s ideal for a relaxed post-museum walk or letting the kids burn off some energy.
For aviation lovers, Le Bourget’s active airport is next door, so you can spot real planes taking off while you picnic nearby. And if you’re up for another museum, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Parc de la Villette isn’t far by public transport—it’s another Paris Pass gem, especially for science fans.
Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of Napoleon’s tomb or the thrill of stepping into a Concorde, both the Army Museum and the Museum of Air and Space offer unforgettable ways to dive into history. One brings centuries of French heritage to life in the heart of Paris, while the other takes you on a high-flying journey through aviation and space.
And the best part? Both are included with The Paris Pass, so you don’t have to choose just one. Plan your perfect day out, skip the lines, and get the most out of your Paris adventure—your history-loving, aircraft-adoring, tomb-exploring self will thank you.
Planning for the weekend? Check out our guide to the best things to do on Saturday.
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