Musée des Archives Nationales - Hôtel de Soubise

Museum · Archives ·

Musée des Archives Nationales - Hôtel de Soubise

Museum · Archives ·

French history museum with stunning architecture, gardens, and exhibits

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60 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris, France Get directions

@vogue

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"Opt for an early evening picnic in the exceptional historical setting of Les Archives Nationales in the 3rd arrondissement. Choose the more intimate gardens of the hôtels d'Assy and de Breteuil, where the beauty of these green settings blends with an unexpected calm in the middle of Paris. This romantic atmosphere is ideal for a first date." - Thomas Guillemyn, Digital Editor - Vogue Paris "

Where to Go for a First Date in Paris

National Archives Museum - Hôtel de Soubise

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

14 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See in Paris (Updated 2025)

"Visiting the Hôtel de Soubise, which was built by order of Napoleon I, I was struck by the late Baroque architecture, long columns, statues and sculptures and immaculate grounds and gardens; inside the National Archives are thousands of historical documents dating back to 625 CE, and the permanent and temporary exhibitions consistently provide nuanced historical detail and context." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/off-the-beaten-path-paris/

National Archives Museum - Hôtel de Soubise

vivi C.

Google

I visited the National Archives Museum in the early evening for the first time. The exterior architecture is much more impressive than the interior. Inside, the atmosphere feels quite dark and grey, with a slightly mysterious — even eerie — vibe. The gardens outside are actually more memorable. The trimmed trees are oddly shaped and amusing, almost like Thai jasmine rice served with curry. The museum complex itself feels very large, but parts of the interior seem under-restored, with limited lighting, which makes some areas feel a bit unsettling. A few rooms are nicely done, but overall the experience is uneven. If you’re already shopping nearby and have a Museum Pass, it’s worth stopping by briefly. However, it’s probably not worth making a special trip just for this museum.

Bunny

Google

It's a free tour museum. If you're interested in deep real history you should visit.

roua M.

Google

The roads around the museum were great—I really enjoyed exploring the surroundings. The museum visit was free, and there were some really interesting things to see✨️

Abby

Google

wonderful free museum not to miss in paris! note to foreigners, all of the text in the museum is in french, but worth it anyways to step in and see these lovely rooms. not crowded at all, plus i visited in a weekend.

Dana

Google

This is a hidden gem in Paris! Lots of the rooms and architecture is similar to that of the louvre or palace of Versailles, but just without the crowds! I was the only person there during my whole visit! It’s beautiful. And not to mention the artefacts and history that is there. There are books from the 1400s, Bertillons notes, and so much more. Not to mention, it’s completely free!

Gunsu K.

Google

National Archives museum of Paris. You learn quite a lot of what is real versus fake. Entry is free, takes you around an hour to see.

Mike A.

Google

This museum and garden are for free, but do check the opening time before visiting. The place is very nice and there is a lot to see inside. The garden is small but pretty quiet. Lot of pictures to be taken there.

Hayir F.

Google

So many times i walked around this way but never i visited. Finally i visited this museum. It was like travel to past. If u are around it , u should visit it.

Raymond C.

Yelp

Free museum that you could spend an hour ish to learn about the history of the French architecture/ building and French textiles (which was very interesting). I wished everything had English translations. Some did on the major descriptions but the specific physical displays only had French.

Chelsea T.

Yelp

I really loved this museum. Brilliant and lovely interior, well preserved. Interesting old letters and they had a great and very educational cartography exhibit when I visited. Definitely one of my favorite museum visits in Paris

Faye B.

Yelp

The National Archive gardens have got to be one of Paris' best kept secrets. I've always found le Marais to be a maze; home to a thousand hidden places and well kept secrets. Today I was able to discover another part of this neighbourhood finally making my way to the National Archive gardens. This spot is so peaceful and so beautiful you'd almost forget that your'e in the heart of one of the coolest and busiest neighbourhoods. We were the only ones in there, even able to leave our stuff unattended for a while something which I wouldnt normally dare do. I couldn't imagine a more perfect place nor a more beautiful backdrop to sit and read for a few hours. Must not miss if in the area!

Jim B.

Yelp

We stumbled across this gem while on a late afternoon stroll through le Marais. The main wooden doors were open and had not one of us been curious to see what lied beyond, we would have bypassed this gem completely (this is one of the things I love most about Paris...is that exploring reveals hidden treasures, each more stunning than the rest). Upon entering, the architecture of the building is stunning. A large garden (still being planted at the time of our visit, surrounded by a gorgeous building, left us gob-smacked. We didn't venture inside, but explored two hidden gardens to the right of the main building. Very calming...breathe in the beauty of this place.

@vogue

3,763 Postcards · 1,060 Cities

Where to Go for a First Date in Paris

National Archives Museum - Hôtel de Soubise

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

14 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See in Paris (Updated 2025)

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/off-the-beaten-path-paris/

National Archives Museum - Hôtel de Soubise

vivi C.

Google

Bunny

Google

It's a free tour museum. If you're interested in deep real history you should visit.

roua M.

Google

The roads around the museum were great—I really enjoyed exploring the surroundings. The museum visit was free, and there were some really interesting things to see✨️

Abby

Google

Dana

Google

Gunsu K.

Google

National Archives museum of Paris. You learn quite a lot of what is real versus fake. Entry is free, takes you around an hour to see.

Mike A.

Google

Hayir F.

Google

So many times i walked around this way but never i visited. Finally i visited this museum. It was like travel to past. If u are around it , u should visit it.

Raymond C.

Yelp

Chelsea T.

Yelp

Faye B.

Yelp

Jim B.

Yelp

Musée des Archives Nationales - Hôtel de Soubise

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14 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See in Paris (Updated 2025)

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14 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See in Paris (Updated 2025)