Les Invalides Tours

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Gain insight into French military history at this Baroque complex, which contains several museums and military monuments, including the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Les Invalides is a historic military complex that includes several museums, monuments and churches. Brush up on French military history at its trio of museums, stroll along the grand lawns of the Esplanade des Invalides and see the ostentatious tomb of the famous French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte.

The structure was originally built as an army hospital between 1670 and 1676 under orders from Louis XIV. During the French Revolution, the complex was stormed by rioters who seized weaponry on their way to the Bastille. Today, parts of the complex are still reserved for French war veterans, with a hospital and military retirement residence on-site.

Before entering Les Invalides, stroll along the lawns of Esplanade des Invalides, which stretch for 1,640 feet (500 meters) in front of the main entrance. This space is a popular picnic and sunbathing spot.

Inside the complex, explore three separate museums: the Musée de l’Armée (the Army Museum), the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (the Museum of Military Models) and the Musée d’Histoire Contemporain (the Museum of Contemporary History). Devote most time to the Musée de l’Armée, the largest and most comprehensive of the three. Examine military armor and artifacts from ancient to modern times, including Napoleon’s lavish pistols and Joseph Parrocel’s Battle of Cassel painting.

Save time to see the Église du Dôme church, located at the back of the complex. Gaze up at its dazzling gold cupola, which was a source of inspiration for the United States Capitol building. Investigate Napoleon Bonaparte’s extravagant tomb, which is located in the church. The emperor’s remains are entombed in six Russian doll-style coffins located inside a red quartzite sarcophagus that sits on a green granite base.

Les Invalides is located in the 7th arrondissement. Reach it with a short walk from the La Tour Maubourg, Invalides, Varenne or Saint-Françoise-Xavier metro stations. Les Invalides is open daily, although the Musée de l’Armée is closed on the first Monday of every month between October and June.

Plan a trip to see Les Invalides

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Villa Marquis Member of Meliá Collection
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Reviews of Les Invalides

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
477
" "5 - Excellent 49.843260188087775%
4 - Good
412
" "4 - Good 43.05120167189133%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 6.687565308254963%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0.4179728317659352%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 4, 2020

Most of the museum is outstanding, but the Charles de Gaulle exhibit is worth skipping. They have some very impressive pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries that are worth seeing to any military history buff. Almost everything is also in English, including videos accounting historic battles. Napoleon's tomb is impressive, but the cathedral surrounding it is even more so.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 13, 2019

Wish the weather was better

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 20, 2019

Go for Napoleon's final resting place but spend some time attending the Charles De Gaulle museum nearby.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 5, 2019

Under repair

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Sep 30, 2019

Was closed for an unknown reason. Guards would not say why.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 27, 2019

This is a MUST see!!

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