This fascinating museum houses an exquisite collection of large-scale models showcasing French city fortifications and topography throughout history.
Why Visit: Get lost in the intricate details of these stunning city models from the 17th-19th centuries.
For Those Who: Have an interest in urban planning, geography, and cartography, appreciate the artistry of miniature models, and love discovering hidden gems.
Tucked away within the Hôtel des Invalides, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs holds a unique collection of three-dimensional scale models depicting the fortifications and features of towns and cities across France. These carefully crafted plans-reliefs provide a snapshot of French topography, architecture, and military strategy from the 17th through 19th centuries.
Wander among the diverse array of models, admiring the precise workmanship recreating terrain, buildings, bridges, and more in miniature. Marvel at the size of certain sprawling cities like Strasbourg in 1:600 scale. Appreciate details like the cannons on the fortresses of Antibes. The vibrant, engaging exhibits bring history alive through the landscape.
The plans-reliefs were initially created for the French military and used for defense, planning, and strategy. Today, they captivate visitors with their blend of geographical and architectural accuracy with artistic technique. The Musée des Plans-Reliefs itself is a hidden gem that history buffs and model enthusiasts will delight in discovering.
What You Need to Know: Located in the Hôtel des Invalides complex in the 7th arrondissement, the museum is open daily except Mondays for a small fee.
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