The Musée des Blindés de Saumur, located in the charming town of Saumur in France, is an iconic venue for military history buffs and armored vehicle enthusiasts alike. This museum, also known as the Musée Général Estienne, is one of the largest armored vehicle museums in the world. Founded in 1977, it houses an impressive collection of over 800 vehicles, around 200 of which are on permanent display.

On entering the museum, visitors are immediately immersed in the world of tanks and armored vehicles, covering more than a century of technological and strategic evolution. The tour is carefully laid out to offer a chronological and thematic perspective, beginning with the first armored vehicles of the First World War and continuing through to the most modern machines in use today.

Among the highlights of the collection are legendary tanks such as the Renault FT, famous for its use in the First World War, as well as iconic Second World War models such as the German Tiger, the American Sherman and the Soviet T-34. The museum also boasts rare and unique vehicles, such as the B1 bis tank and prototypes never used in combat.

Each section of the museum is accompanied by explanatory panels, videos and interactive exhibits detailing the history, design and use of the various vehicles. Visitors can also discover uniforms, weapons and various military artifacts that enrich understanding of the historical context of each era.

The Musée des Blindés de Saumur doesn't just present static vehicles; it also regularly organizes dynamic demonstrations where the tanks are set in motion, offering an immersive and impressive experience. These demonstrations are extremely popular, attracting large numbers of visitors for special events and historical re-enactments.

The museum's commitment to vehicle preservation and restoration is also remarkable. The restoration teams work tirelessly to keep the tanks in working order and maintain their authenticity, enabling future generations to continue to discover and appreciate these witnesses to the past.

In short, the Musée des Blindés de Saumur is a must-see destination for anyone interested in military history and armored vehicles. It offers not only an exceptional collection, but also an enriching insight into the history of armed conflict and the evolution of military technology.

Website :
https://www.museedesblindes.fr

Address :
1043 Rte de Fontevraud,
49400 Saumur
France

Events at the Musée des Blindés :
- Concours International de Maquettes
- Exposition libre
- Espace Commerçants
- Concours de Maquettes
- Présentations Dynamiques
- Visites des réserves . . .