Overview

Located since 1808 in the imposing Hôtel de Soubise, the Archives Nationales (National Archives) contain original documents illustrating France's history and evolution. Its most rare collections, which are not directly accessible to the public, are presented in turn during temporary exhibitions. The site itself is of great historical significance - it was here that Bolingbroke (the future king Henry V) gave a farewell banquet in 1399 before leaving for England.