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Paris Archives: A Dive into French History

Explore centuries of French history within the walls of the Paris Archives, home to remarkable documents and architectural beauty.

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The Paris Archives, located in the Marais district, offer a fascinating glimpse into French history. Housed in the Hôtel de Soubise, the archives showcase historical documents dating back to the Merovingian period, providing a rich experience for history enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Paris Archives

  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Archives' website for the schedule of temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
  • Take a stroll through the gardens for a peaceful break and to admire the architecture.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as the Picasso Museum and the Cognacq-Jay Museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Paris Archives are accessible via the Paris Metro. Several lines serve the area, including lines 1, 11 and 8. You can take the Metro to a nearby station such as Hotel de Ville or Rambuteau. From there, it's a short walk to 60 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, where the Archives are located. A single Metro ticket costs €2.50.

  • Walking

    From the Centre Pompidou, walk east along Rue Rambuteau, then turn right onto Rue des Archives. Continue until you reach Rue des Francs-Bourgeois. The Archives will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs involved.

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Discover more about Paris Archives

Delve into centuries of French history at the Paris Archives, situated in the heart of the Marais district. This historical repository is housed within the magnificent Hôtel de Soubise, an architectural masterpiece itself, offering visitors a unique blend of historical documents and artistic grandeur. The Archives Nationales, as they are also known, hold an extensive collection of records dating from the Merovingian era to 1958. These include parchment and paper documents, microfilms, sound recordings, and digital files, encompassing a vast range of historical material. Among the treasures are Charlemagne's diploma, the founding documents of Sainte-Chapelle, Marie Antoinette's last letter, and the Constitution of the Fifth Republic. The archives were established in 1790 during the French Revolution to centralize private and public records. The main center is located in the Le Marais district of Paris. Today, the archives contain an enormous mass of documents growing every year. Visitors can explore permanent and temporary exhibitions of national documents. The Salon du Prince, once a reception room, features sculptures depicting poetry, music, justice, and history. The Archives also host cultural and musical events throughout the year.

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