The large galleries of the Musée National hold artifacts from naval history dating back to the 1600s. You’ll find antique ship models, maritime-themed paintings, navigational instruments, and parts of old warships here. Still, the standout items include a complete boat once used by Napoleon Bonaparte and an impressive collection of figureheads. These figureheads, the wooden statues that decorated the front of galleons, have evolved over time along with French history, reflecting everything from monarchs to symbols of freedom during the revolutionary period.

To visit, you can take the subway lines M6 or M9 to the Trocadéro or Iena stops. The marine museum, located in the Palais de Chaillot, is closed on Tuesdays but is open from 11 am to 6 pm on other days, extending to 7 pm on weekends. Tickets are just €7. If you’re particularly interested in maritime history, remember that the museum has additional branches in Brest, Port-Louis, Rochefort, and Toulon.