Les Invalides, a grand complex of buildings associated with France’s military history, is a striking setting for a museum on the national army’s history. Inside you’ll find one of Europe’s largest collections of medieval arms and armour, as well as scores of miniature formations made up of thousands of toy soldiers.

Perhaps the highlight, though, is the Charles de Gaulle Monument, a multimedia space dedicated to the World War II leader of the Free French. Don’t miss the Church of Les Invalides, also found in the complex, instantly recognisable by its golden dome: it is home to Napoleon’s tomb.

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The war museums in Europe everyone should visit