Musée des Plans-Reliefs Tours
While most visitors to Paris head to the Hotel des Invalides to see Napoleon’s final resting place, the Musee des Plans-Reliefs is a hidden gem in the same building that shouldn’t be missed. The museum is home to a collection of military models, some of which date to the mid-17th century when Louis XIV’s minister of war began collecting three-dimensional models of fortified cities to use for military planning. Known as plans-relief, the collection was previously at the Louvre and moved to the Hotel des Invalides in 1777. The earliest model was built in 1668 and continued for two centuries, with 260 models constructed over the years, including those of Luxembourg, La Spezia, Brest and Cherbourg.
The museum was established in 1943 and today displays about 100 models, including 28 plans-relief of fortifications along the English Channel, the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and the Pyrenees Mountains. Built at a 1:600 scale, the models all use the same technique, which is explained in an accompanying exhibit. Watercolor paintings are used to show the color of the buildings and surrounding scenery at the time of construction.
Practical Info
To reach the Hotel des Invalides and the Musee des Plans-Reliefs, take the Metro to La Tour-Maubourg, Varenne, Invalides or St-Francois-Xavier or take the RER train to Invalides. A number of bus lines also stop nearby. Guided tours are available by advance reservation.
Address: 6 boulevard des Invalides, Paris 75007, France
Hours: Apr-Sept, 10am-6pm; Oct-Mar, 10am-5pm. Closed the first Monday of each month, as well as Jan 1, May 1, Nov 11 and Dec 25.
Admission: 11 Euro
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Musée des Plans-Reliefs
Sort by:Featured
Paris Pass Including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Entry to Over 60 Attractions
Gain admission to more than 60 top Paris attractions with the Paris Pass—a flexible sightseeing pass that lets you access the best the French capital has to offer, such as the Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy entrance to Parisian showstoppers like the Louvre Museum, and Centre Pompidou with the 2-, 3-, 4-, or 6-day pass. Make the most of a 1-day hop-on hop-off Big Bus sightseeing tour, Bateaux Parisiens river cruise, and unlimited public transport with the included travelcard.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit.
…More
From
$163.29
From
$163.29
Paris City Pass: Free admission & public transport
The Paris City Pass grants you entry to the best Parisian highlights as well as access to the most important activities. Make the most of your time in Paris and let the Pass take care of the practicalities for you. Pick your favorite sights from the huge selection and visit as many as you like. The Paris City Pass is valid for either 2, 3*, 4, 5* or 6 days.
* Note for museum visits: The 3-day-pass includes the Paris Museum Pass for the free visit of over 50 museums for 48 h; the 5-day-pass the free visit for 96 h. Please plan your schedule of visits according. Bonus in 4-day-pass: you can use the public transport for free on an additional 5th day.
Enjoy free admission to 60 museums and attractions in Paris, including the Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, a boat trip along the Seine, and much more. At some of the attractions you'll be able to spend less time queuing, heading straight for the entrance instead.
…More
From
$141.17
From
$141.17
Paris Museum Pass and Seine River Cruise Including Delivery to Your Hotel
Savor the world-class art offerings of Paris while avoiding the long entrance queues with the Paris Museum Pass. Choose from a 2-, 4- or 6-day pass, and enjoy unlimited, skip-the-line entry to more than 60 museums and attractions in Paris and surrounds. Also included is a 1-hour sightseeing cruise along the famous Seine River. Get a new perspective on riverside landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame while relaxing aboard a specially designed touring boat.
…More
From
$101.63
From
$101.63
Things to do near Paris
- Things to do in Île-de-France
- Things to do in Marne-la-Vallée
- Things to do in Reims
- Things to do in Blois
- Things to do in Deauville City
- Things to do in Le Havre
- Things to do in Lille
- Things to do in Dijon
- Things to do in Ghent
- Things to do in Dover
- Things to do in Brussels
- Things to do in Zaventem
- Things to do in Luxembourg City
- Things to do in Champagne
- Things to do in Normandy