See, it’s a clever title, because I went to a military museum in Paris… and my name is Arthur, so you could conceivably call me Art… although I wish you wouldn’t… and also there was a book called ‘The Art of War’ written by a Chinese guy named Sun Tzu… so… uh… yeah…
After our lovely morning at the art museum, my wife and Mollie decided to go to the Louvre. My mom decided to take a nap. I have been to the Louvre. I have seen the Mona Lisa. And we had just spent hours looking at paintings and statues… so I decided to walk over and visit L’Hôtel national des Invalides (literally; the National residence of the invalids, because it began as a home for old and unwell veterans) which now contains the Musée de l’Armée or; the museum of the army.
I suppose most of you know I study history in general and military history in particular as a hobby. I did a post about why it interests me, and it isn’t a fascination with violence, just so you know.
I really had a good time.
And even the walk over there was an adventure.
The museum contains a lot of stuff, like these Napoleonic guns.
Did you know that Napoleon started off as an officer in the artillery branch of the French army? He knew how to use his big guns.
They also had some World War One era trench mortars.
And there were some tanks parked right outside the back door.
You know…
In case you are interested in that kind of thing.
Pouring My Art Out 
Very cool. I do history – and military history especially – professionally (a part of my mil hist back list is being reissued this year). Alas, I never got the chance to check out this museum when in Paris. We walked past it…sigh…
Have you made it to the Imperial war museum in London? That place is awesome. I did a few posts about that, I think.
I haven’t yet. It’s on the list!
It is a must stop
Oh, those posts wouldn’t be anytime recently… they are way back down there somewhere.
So cool Art. Although I gotta tell you after Bonaparte the French army does not have a great reputation. Now, mind I did not study war as you did, I am just speaking from a general perception perspective. Their resistance was amazing and I love true stories of their comings and goings but their official army was another story. They often describe themselves as preferring to make love not war – and their resistance was probably so good because the French were used to sneaking around having affairs. Ha!
You may actually be onto something there…
Artillery is pretty cool when it comes to history. That’s what I did in the Marine Corps
awesome… and it gets the job done!
Yes it does. It was an alright job being stationed in Hawaii lol but it worked. I got to do a 21 cannon salute for the Marine Corps Commandant and I was a chief of one of the four guns.
So cool… I did that post a few months ago where I got to fire that gun that fought in the civil war.
That’s awesome! A once in a lifetime opportunity
Got to dress in a uniform and fire during a reenactment. It was powerful.
No kidding? That would be pretty powerful for sure! I will never reflect being the lowest rank of all the chiefs on the fun line and have 2 other Marines on my gun. Was an exciting day.
I couldn’t believe the power of even the half charges washing over me.
Yup, Shakes your entire diaphragm.
Like a Who concert…
Lol never experienced it but I can relate.
They were just famous for being extra loud, so I went with them.
Fair enough, young blood here haha
Well you can still get their music…
On one of our trips, we stayed in a hotel a block from there. Over a cheese shop. I don’t recommend it!
It is a cool museum.
you don’t recommend staying over a cheese shop?
I recommend visiting one at every opportunity. But sleeping over one is stinky. You don’t get to choose which ones to sniff!
I would like to try it for one night… but I bet I could sleep over… or in… a bakery forever. We should op[en a hotel like that. Air ducts from a bakery to each room.
That would be wonderful! A French bakery.
obviously
Awesome photos Art
thanks