Archives nationales d'Outre Mer

A national service attached to the Directorate-General for Heritage and Architecture of the Ministry of Culture, the National Overseas Archives (ANOM) are responsible for preserving and making available archives relating to France’s colonial presence overseas. Building on four centuries of history, they hold the archives of the ministries responsible for the French colonial empire from the 17th to the 20th centuries, as well as archives transferred from the former colonies and Algeria at the time of their independence. All aspects of colonial history are covered: the exploration of territories, the establishment and administration of colonies, attempts at settlement and the arrival of colonists, the slave trade and slavery, economic relations with the mother country, the training of colonial administrators, the monitoring of political movements, wars and independence spanning 38 linear kilometres of records, 160,000 photographs, 60,000 maps and plans, and a library of 120,000 books, periodicals and newspapers.

An essential repository of resources and memory for understanding the history of colonisation and decolonisation, the ANOM offers a cultural and educational programme aimed at the general public and welcomes school groups throughout the year.

Access to the archives is free of charge; visitors must book in advance during opening hours.