Archives Nationales (France)

The Archives Nationales (France) is the country's central repository of government and historical documents, safeguarding records that span France’s history from the Middle Ages to the present. It collects, preserves, and makes accessible important administrative, judicial, and cultural archives for research, scholarship, and public knowledge. Located in Paris and other sites, the Archives Nationales plays a vital role in maintaining France’s documentary heritage, supporting transparency, legal processes, and historical understanding. It is a key institution for preserving France’s collective memory and facilitating access to its historical records.