Musée de la Gendarmerie
The history of the Gendarmerie is inextricably linked to the history of France
Faced with an ever-growing collection and an increasing need for space, the Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale was forced to extend and modernize. It is now housed in a refurbished building of the École des Officiers de la Gendarmerie Nationale. The history of the Gendarmerie is inextricably linked to the history of France and its multiple changes. This comparison runs through the museum visit, ending with the missions and special units of the Gendarmerie today. The permanent exhibition presents a chronological history of the Gendarmerie Nationale and its close relationship with the history of France through a very diverse collection of 2,000 objects (documents, weapons, uniforms, headgear, figurines, paintings, insignia, decorations, pennants, copperware, ceramics, popular arts, etc.) displayed in an area of over 1200m².
The largest suspended display case in Europe, a technical achievement 8.50m high, 2m wide and 18m long, features 44 models showing the history of the gendarme’s uniform and equipment.
From 1339 to the present day, the Gendarmerie Nationale has undergone countless changes. It has unceasingly adapted itself to become a modern, high-performance service. Through the wealth and diversity of its collection, the museum traces the history of the institution in a precise and comprehensive manner over 4 phases.
Four phases in the history of the Gendarmerie
In order to fulfil its different tasks in the best way possible, the Gendarmerie has several specialised forces : the Garde Républicaine, Gendarmerie Maritime, Gendarmerie de l'Air, Gendarmerie des Transports Aériens, Gendarmerie de l'Armement and GIGN (special forces intervention squad). Specialised units have also been developed to meet specific needs : mountain/high mountain platoons, river units, motorcycle squads, dog-handling section, etc.
Many exhibitions are presented to the public every year, e.g. criminal science, Gendarmeries around the world, first-hand accounts of the Great War, etc.
A few kilometres from Melun, don’t miss the Domaine des Macarons de Réau, a 300m² space totally dedicated to this delicious, soft, round biscuit featuring a shop, a tea room, demonstrations on how to make macarons.
Musée de la Gendarmerie opening times
Open every day except Tuesdays
1 October – 31 March : 10.00 – 17.30.
1 April - 30 September : 10.00 – 18.00.
Closed 1 January, 1 May, 1 November, 25 December.
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