Sodexo Live! is proud to announce its new partnership with the Musée de l’Armée, located within the iconic Hôtel National des Invalides, to manage and enhance the food and beverage services offered to the museum’s 1.3 million annual visitors. The agreement will run until 2033.
This new venture reflects the ambition of Sodexo Live! to create unique culinary experiences within cultural institutions, in line with its collaborations with the Petit Palais, the Musée Rodin and the Musée National de la Marine in Paris, the Mucem in Marseille, as well as the National Gallery in Washington D.C. and the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
A culinary experience in harmony with the spirit and history of the site
Since its founding in 1905, the Musée de l’Armée – Invalides has stood as a major guardian of France’s national heritage. Each year, it draws a wide audience by preserving and showcasing exceptional collections, historical artefacts, military uniforms and unique craftsmanship. Beyond its collections, the Musée de l’Armée serves as a vibrant cultural venue, hosting exhibitions, concerts, talks and events throughout the year. By enriching our understanding of military history and defence, the museum not only honours the past but actively embraces the future. It is in this spirit of modernisation that the museum has chosen to redesign its dining experience, offering visitors exclusive dining spaces.
For the Musée de l’Armée, Sodexo Live! has developed tailored culinary concepts for a diverse audience – Parisians, French nationals, and international guests alike – within reimagined, elegant spaces that pay tribute to the unique identity of the Hôtel National des Invalides. This promising partnership is set to flourish under the best of auspices.
We are delighted to bring our expertise to such a prestigious institution as the Musée de l’Armée. At Sodexo Live! we firmly believe that a museum visit goes beyond the exploration of its collections – it should be a complete and immersive experience. This partnership perfectly reflects our ambition to extend the sense of wonder through a culinary offering that resonates with the site’s history and identity
Sodexo Live! has been selected to meet the expectations of a various audience through three bespoke and innovative dining concepts:
- Quartier 1670: Inspired by the traditional Parisian bouillons, this restaurant will be located at the foot of the iconic Invalides dome. With over 220 covers (150 indoors and 70 on the terrace), it will offer authentic and accessible cuisine that celebrates the great classics of French gastronomy. Quartier 1670 will embody conviviality and sharing, delivering generous and affordable cuisine in a warm setting.
- Le Bivouac: A restaurant with a nomadic spirit where French cuisine will be reimagined through the lens of travel. A rotating line-up of travelling chefs will shine a spotlight on the flavours of countries linked to the Napoleonic campaigns. These chefs are selected for their commitment to responsible gastronomy, with an emphasis on seasonality, sustainability, and regional ingredients. Located in the Cour de Nîmes, Le Bivouac will offer 100 covers throughout the high season, from April to October.
- La Roulante: This electric tricycle, an extension of Quartier 1670, will offer quick-service dining to help manage visitor flow. Guests will find a selection of savoury snacks, sandwiches and sweet treats – perfect for a bite on the go.
These three completely redesigned food outlets will be launched in phases between autumn 2025 and spring 2026. To ensure a seamless transition, an interim dining offer will be available from spring 2025.
About Sodexo Live!
With 40,000 employees and 500 sites, Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Super Bowl, the Tour de France, Roland-Garros, the Rugby World Cup and the recent Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, the Hard Rock Stadium, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, as well as the Royal Academy of Arts in London or the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Unparalleled Expertise in Cultural Venues
Already partnering with numerous cultural institutions in Paris (Petit Palais, Musée Rodin, Musée national de la Marine…) and internationally (National Gallery in Washington, Royal Academy of Arts in London…), Sodexo Live! furthers its commitment to creating unforgettable experiences in iconic cultural venues through its partnership with le Musée de l’Armée.
About the Musée de l’Armée
The Musée de l’Armée is one of the most visited museums in France, welcoming over 1.3 million people each year. Located within the Hôtel National des Invalides, founded by Louis XIV, it houses one of the world’s richest collections dedicated to military history. Its holdings recount major conflicts and battles, while also highlighting the key figures who shaped France’s history. The Dôme des Invalides, where Napoleon I is entombed, draws a wide international audience. Beyond its collections, the Musée de l’Armée offers a dynamic cultural programme including exhibitions, lectures, concerts, film screenings and historical re-enactments.
Under the authority of the French Ministry of Armed Forces, the museum carries out a mission that goes beyond heritage conservation. It plays an essential role in transmitting republican values and raising awareness of defence-related issues. Each year, nearly 350,000 young people visit the museum and take part in its educational activities, providing them with tools to better understand world history. More than just a museum, it is a true space for transmission, dialogue and discovery, contributing to the strengthening of national cohesion.
