Les Invalides Tours

Les Invalides showing heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Les Invalides which includes a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage elements
Les Invalides which includes a garden and heritage architecture
Les Invalides featuring a city, night scenes and landscape views
Les Invalides featuring street scenes and heritage architecture


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.

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Reviews of Les Invalides

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
477
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
412
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
64
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

Wish the weather was better

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Under repair

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This is a MUST see!!

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Things to do near Les Invalides

When visiting Les Invalides in Paris, immerse yourself in its rich history by exploring major attractions like the stunning Dôme des Invalides, which houses Napoleon's tomb, and the Army Museum showcasing military artifacts. Don't miss the chance to enjoy guided tours that offer fascinating insights, and take in picturesque sunsets over the beautiful architecture, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

For shopping near Les Invalides, check out Le Bon Marché, just 0.7 miles away, for unique finds. Marche Saint-Germain, located 1 mile away, offers a local market experience. If you're up for a drive, visit Galeries Lafayette, 2 miles away, for a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Parc des Princes, just 3 miles away, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a touch of romance and entertainment, La Machine du Moulin Rouge, located 2 miles from Les Invalides, offers captivating dance performances. Enjoy the lively music scene at Paris Olympia, only 1 mile away.

Adventure

Aquaboulevard, a thrilling waterpark, offers exciting rides and family fun only 2 miles from Les Invalides. For a scenic adventure, explore the Mare a Mare Nord hiking trail, located 1 mile away, where beautiful landscapes await. Don’t miss the Montmartre Funicular, also 2 miles away, providing stunning views and outdoor excitement.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Les Invalides. Catch a show at Theatre Mogador, just 2 miles away, or dance the night away at Palais de Tokyo, only 0.9 miles away. Don't miss the glamorous performances at Lido, located 1 mile from Les Invalides, for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Les Invalides

Les Invalides in Paris is a vibrant locale offering a mix of culture and family-friendly experiences. Explore iconic attractions such as the Hôtel National des Invalides, which houses museums and monuments, or take a leisurely stroll along the Champs-Élysées. With its charming piazzas and nearby art museums, there’s something for every traveler seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history and beauty of this remarkable area.

  • Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark stands proud 0.8 miles from Les Invalides. Experience breathtaking views of Paris from its observation decks, and soak in the culture that surrounds this symbol of romance and innovation.
  • Louvre Museum: Located 1 mile away, this world-renowned art museum is home to thousands of masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. Immerse yourself in history and culture as you explore its vast collections.
  • Champs-Élysées: A vibrant street just 0.9 miles from Les Invalides, the Champs-Élysées is famous for its theaters, cafés, and luxury shops. Enjoy a lively atmosphere while strolling along this quintessential Parisian avenue.

Best time to go to Les Invalides

The best time to visit Les Invalides is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Les Invalides

To save money on your visit to Les Invalides, consider traveling between January and March for lower hotel rates. Book your stay about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays typically offer the best rates, while Thursdays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare prices and consider package deals for additional savings on flights and activities. Joining their One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future stays, making your trip more affordable.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Les Invalides are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Les Invalides is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Les Invalides is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Les Invalides is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To discover the best prices and available deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Les Invalides with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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