In brief
- Address: Avenue du musée des Troupes de Marine, 83600 Fréjus
- Theme: Military history, colonial engagement, national memory
- Collection: Nearly 20,000 objects, of which 4,500 are displayed
- Area: 800 m² of permanent exhibition, 400 m² for temporary exhibitions
- Label: Museum of France
- Specificity: Memorial with crypt, urn of Bazeilles, educational and digital tour
- Accessibility: Parking, elevator, air conditioning, pets allowed, access to public transport
- Audience: General public, school groups, military history enthusiasts
An immersion in the military history of France overseas
In the heart of Fréjus, not far from the Mediterranean beaches, the Musée des Troupes de Marine recounts nearly 400 years of French military engagement across the five continents. This place of memory, transmission, and culture, labeled Museum of France, is an essential stop to understand the long history of overseas soldiers, from the establishment of the first companies by Richelieu to contemporary engagements.
A unique, accessible, and vibrant military heritage
The establishment offers an exceptional collection of nearly 20,000 objects, of which 4,500 are displayed on a completely redesigned museographic course. The 800 m² of permanent exhibition provide a fluid and illustrated reading of the evolution of the Troupes de marine, thanks to more than 120 display cases, enhanced by recent graphic work and interactive technologies. Models, weapons, uniforms, banners, and rare documents are showcased in a chronological and pedagogical approach.
In addition, there is a new 400 m² space dedicated to temporary exhibitions, a true lever to host new themes, often related to the current missions of the French army abroad.
Memory, engagement, and transmission
Beyond its historical interest, the museum also aims to be a place of commemoration. The crypt houses an urn containing the remains of soldiers who fell during the fighting at Bazeilles in 1870, a strong symbol of the sacrifice of colonial troops. This memorial honors the 400,000 soldiers who died under the flags of the Troupes de marine since the 17th century.
The institution fosters a strong educational dimension, with regular partnerships with the National Education. Interdisciplinary school projects and guided tours are regularly organized, particularly to raise awareness among the younger generation about military history, civic responsibility, and collective memory.
An ambitious modernization serving the public
Since 2022, the museum has benefited from a major restructuring, orchestrated by the General Staff specialized for overseas and foreign operations. This project has allowed for an expansion of the exhibition spaces, adapting the reserves to current conservation standards, and completely revising the scenography to better showcase the recent engagements of the units.
The approach also relies on immersive digital tools, intended to make the journey more vivid and more readable for all audiences. Thanks to these devices, each visit becomes an experience where history becomes tangible.
Practical information and access
Located less than 500 meters from public transport stops, the museum is easily accessible, including for people with reduced mobility. It is equipped with parking, an elevator, and accepts pets. Admission is free, and visiting documents are available in French and English.
Address: Avenue du musée des Troupes de Marine, 83600 Fréjus
Phone: 04 94 17 86 ▒▒
Website: www.aamtdm.net
Support the memory of the Troupes de marine
The preservation and enhancement of this exceptional heritage also depend on the generosity of the public. Donations help enrich the museography, acquire interactive materials, or finance the restoration of fragile objects. Each contribution helps transmit a little-known military heritage, but essential for understanding the history of France.
