Les Invalides
Explore the monumental Hôtel des Invalides, home to the Musée de l'Armée and the awe-inspiring Napoleon's Tomb under its iconic golden dom...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the main crowds and tour groups.
Les Invalides
Best Time
Beat the main crowds and tour groups.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the monumental Hôtel des Invalides, home to the Musée de l'Armée and the awe-inspiring Napoleon's Tomb under its iconic golden dome, a profound journey through French military history.
"The Dome Church is an architectural masterpiece and the Army Museum is awesome, with cool medieval armor and WW1/2 artifacts."
🎟️ Easy Tickets
Don't stress about booking Les Invalides tickets far in advance; travelers often find no lines for on-site purchase .
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
This museum is vast! Reddit users suggest allocating at least 3-4 hours, especially for history enthusiasts .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dome Church & Napoleon's Tomb
Dôme des Invalides
The iconic golden dome houses the magnificent tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, an architectural marvel that captivates visitors.
Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum)
Hôtel des Invalides
Explore vast collections of weapons, armor, and military history from medieval times to both World Wars, offering a deep dive into France's past.
Musée des Plans-Reliefs
Hôtel des Invalides
Discover intricate 3D models of fortified cities and their surroundings, a unique historical and artistic collection often overlooked but highly recommended.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Vastness of Les Invalides
Tickets & Entry: No Need to Rush
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Easy Tickets
Don't stress about booking Les Invalides tickets far in advance; travelers often find no lines for on-site purchase.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
This museum is vast! Reddit users suggest allocating at least 3-4 hours, especially for history enthusiasts.
🚶♀️ Re-entry is Possible
Need a break? You can re-enter the museum on the same day, perfect for a quick lunch outside.
🆔 Check for Free Entry
Active military, veterans, and EU citizens under 26 often get free admission to permanent collections with valid ID.+1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Easy Tickets
Don't stress about booking Les Invalides tickets far in advance; travelers often find no lines for on-site purchase.
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
This museum is vast! Reddit users suggest allocating at least 3-4 hours, especially for history enthusiasts.
🚶♀️ Re-entry is Possible
Need a break? You can re-enter the museum on the same day, perfect for a quick lunch outside.
🆔 Check for Free Entry
Active military, veterans, and EU citizens under 26 often get free admission to permanent collections with valid ID.+1
☔ Great for Rainy Days
With extensive indoor exhibits, it's an ideal Paris activity when the weather turns cold or rainy.
🚇 Use the Metro
The Invalides complex is well-served by Metro lines 8, 13, and RER C, making it easily accessible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Les Invalides for its impressive scale, the grandeur of Napoleon's Tomb, and the extensive, well-curated collections of the Army Museum. While some find the sheer volume of exhibits overwhelming, it's widely regarded as a must-see for history buffs and those seeking a profound cultural experience, especially on a rainy day.
"Really nice museum. The building is really interesting to explore and quite massive. Huge disappointment in the WW1 and WW2 museums. Haven seen some amazing ones around the world in Korea, USA, Russia, among many others, this falls flat. Barely anything interesting on display. Don't go for that only if that is what interests you."
Elana Podvalniuk
"This is a must visit place in Paris. It’s full of great historical pieces. Their website recommends that you spend two hours at the museum. However, I spent almost double that and had to skip some. So, I highly recommend that you get the 12pm entry ticket, especially if you enjoy the seeing the details."
Mamdouh Algadheb
"Even though you have the museum pass, you still have to go and get the free tickets for the kids. Short line though. Far between bathrooms, which is a general problem in Paris and very limited choice of food from the cart. A sandwich, a pasta, a salad or a hotdog, with prices between €10-15, so definitely eat before you enter. The museum and the tomb was beautiful and full of exciting items. Definely worth a visit, and even though we spent 5 hours there, we had to rush through the last part. You can easily spend a full day here."
Kris Skov Olsson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hôtel des Invalides is easily accessible by Paris Metro. You can take Line 8 or 13 to the "Invalides" station, or Line 13 to "Varenne" or "Saint-François-Xavier" for closer access to specific entrances. RER C also stops at "Invalides".
Yes, it's centrally located. You can enjoy a pleasant walk from the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, or the Rodin Museum. Many visitors combine these sights in a single day.
The Metro is generally the quickest and most efficient way. Buses also serve the area, offering scenic routes. Taxis and ride-shares are available but can be more expensive and subject to traffic.
While street parking can be challenging, several underground parking garages are available in the vicinity, though they can be costly. Public transport is highly recommended for visiting Les Invalides.
Les Invalides is about a 2.5 to 3 km walk from the Louvre, or a short Metro ride (approx. 15-20 minutes including transfers) via Line 1 or 7, then Line 8 or 13.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no. Many Reddit users confirm that tickets for Les Invalides are readily available on-site, even during peak seasons, with minimal to no queues. The official website can sometimes be buggy for advance purchases.
The Musée de l'Armée and Napoleon's Tomb typically open at 10:00 AM and close between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, depending on the season. It's always best to check the official Les Invalides official website for the most current schedule, especially for special events or holidays.
Yes! Active military personnel and veterans (from any country with valid ID) receive free admission. EU citizens under 26 also get free entry to the permanent collections.
Free entry may also apply on the first Sunday of some months or during European Heritage Days in September.
Yes, travelers have confirmed that same-day re-entry to the Hôtel des Invalides museum is permitted, allowing you to step out for a break or lunch and return.
Standard adult admission typically ranges from €14-€16, covering access to the Musée de l'Armée, Napoleon's Tomb, and the Musée des Plans-Reliefs. Prices can vary for temporary exhibitions, so check the official site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Napoleon's Tomb under the magnificent Dome Church,
A thorough visit to the Invalides museum and Napoleon's Tomb can easily take 3-4 hours, especially if you're interested in military history. Some Reddit users even suggest you might not finish it all in one go.
The complex is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators in many areas. However, due to its historical nature, some sections might have stairs. It's advisable to check the official website for detailed accessibility information.
Yes, guided tours are often available, offering deeper insights into the history of Les Invalides and its collections. Audio guides are also a popular option for self-paced exploration.
You can admire the iconic golden Dome des Invalides from the outside and walk around parts of the complex without a ticket. However, to enter the Dome Church and see Napoleon's Tomb, you will need an admission ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, non-flash photography is permitted for personal use in most areas of the Invalides museum and the Dome Church. However, always look for signs indicating restrictions, especially for temporary exhibitions.
The interior of the Dome Church, especially around Napoleon's Tomb, offers stunning architectural shots.
Tripods and professional photography equipment are usually not allowed without prior authorization. It's best to stick to handheld devices for casual photography.
While most permanent collections are open to photography, some sensitive or temporary exhibits might have restrictions. Always respect posted signs and staff instructions.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for capturing the golden dome. A clear day provides a beautiful contrast against the Parisian sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
☔ Rainy Day Explorers
You can spend an entire afternoon delving into military history, admiring the architecture, and paying respects at Napoleon's Tomb without getting wet. It's a perfect choice for a comprehensive cultural experience when outdoor activities are less appealing.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Grandeur of Hôtel des Invalides
Beyond the Dome, the complex includes vast courtyards and the Cathédrale Saint-Louis des Invalides, which served as the soldiers' church. The sheer scale and intricate details of the buildings reflect the power and ambition of the French monarchy. Exploring the grounds, you can appreciate the historical significance of this "palace" dedicated to military service, a testament to centuries of French history.
A Journey Through Military History: The Musée de l'Armée
Key exhibits include the Armored Knights section with its impressive display of medieval and Renaissance armor, the Old Regime and Napoleon I sections detailing the emperor's campaigns, and the World Wars galleries which offer poignant insights into 20th-century conflicts. The museum also houses the Musée des Plans-Reliefs, a fascinating collection of detailed 3D models of fortified towns, which is often highlighted as a hidden gem by those who discover it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit