WWI & WWII Galleries at Musée de l'Armée: A Comprehensive Guide

The Department of the Two World Wars at the Musée de l'Armée covers one of the most turbulent periods in human history, from 1871 to 1945. It is not just about battles; it is about the lived experience of soldiers and civilians.

The First World War (1914-1918)

The exhibits documenting "The Great War" are hauntingly detailed. You move from the colorful uniforms of 1914 (the famous pantalon rouge) to the horizon blue and camouflage that became necessary as industrial warfare took over.

Key Highlights

• The Taxi de la Marne: One of the actual Renault taxis used to transport troops to the front line during the Battle of the Marne in 1914. It is a symbol of French resourcefulness and civilian involvement.
• Trench Warfare: Displays of trench clubs, gas masks, and personal items that bring the horror of the trenches to life.
• The Marshals of France: A room dedicated to the leaders like Joffre, Foch, and Pétain (before his WWII collaboration role).
• The Human Cost: Displays of prosthetic limbs and "broken faces" (gueules cassées) serve as a stark reminder of the war's physical toll on a generation of men.

The Second World War (1939-1945)

The WWII section is equally comprehensive, covering the Fall of France, the Occupation, the Resistance, and eventually, the Liberation.

Key Highlights

• The Phony War & The Blitzkrieg: Maps and artifacts explain the rapid German advance and the collapse of the French defense in 1940.
• The Resistance: A dedicated area honors the French Resistance. You can see clandestine printing presses used for underground newspapers, hidden radios, and weapons used by resistance fighters.
• The Free French Forces: Uniforms and flags of General de Gaulle’s Free French Forces highlight the fight continuing from abroad. Artifacts from the North African campaigns and the liberation of Italy are also shown.
• D-Day and Liberation: The exhibits build up to the Allied landings in Normandy and Provence. You can see American, British, and Canadian equipment alongside French gear, illustrating the massive coalition effort.
• The Camps: A somber section addresses the deportation and the concentration camps, with uniforms from prisoners and artifacts that bear witness to the Holocaust.

Why Visit This Section?

It provides crucial context for understanding modern France and Europe. The exhibits are immersive, using video, sound, and interactive maps to explain complex military movements. It’s not just for military buffs; it’s a history lesson for everyone.

Tip: This section is huge. If you are short on time, pick either WWI or WWII to focus on, as doing both in detail can take over 2 hours.