Despite being easily recognised by the iconic golden dome, Les Invalides is one of those places that often flies under the radar for many tourists. But don’t let its quieter reputation fool you—this stunning complex holds centuries of French military history and some truly remarkable architecture. Originally built by Louis XIV in the late 17th century to house and care for war veterans, Les Invalides is now home to the Musée de l'Armée and the iconic tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. With its grand courtyards, gilded dome, and fascinating past, Les Invalides is the perfect spot to explore if you want to dive a little deeper into France’s military history!
Les Invalides in a nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2-3 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Weekdays in the morning to avoid crowds |
| 💜 Must Do: | Visit the Army Museum and Napoleon's Tomb |
| 🎟️ Priority Entrance Ticket: | €14 |
| 😍 Guided Tour: | €109.90 |
| 🚇 Closest Metro: | Varenne or Invalides |
Must-see at Les Invalides
- The Army Museum
- Napoleon's Tomb
- Saint-Louis-des-Invalides Cathedral
- The Charles de Gaulle Monument
Getting There
Address
75007 Paris, France
Get Directions
Opening Hours
10am–6pm
Closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25
Why is Les Invalides worth visiting?
- French Culture: Les Invalides is a treasure trove of French military history spanning centuries.
- Iconic Architecture: The massive golden dome of the chapel is an iconic Parisian landmark and a perfect Instagram spot.
- Rich Collection: The Musée de l'Armée houses an impressive collection of weapons and armor, including Napoleon's famous hat.
- Napoleon's Resting Place: The tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte is located here, and his sarcophagus is made of six different types of marble.
- Historic Significance: The courtyard of honor was used for military parades, and you can still see the cannonball marks on the walls from the French Revolution.
Recommended tickets to Les Invalides
Depending on the kind of experience you seek and time in hand, you can choose from a variety of Les Invalides tickets.
Les Invalides history
Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670, the Hôtel des Invalides officially opened in 1678 as a hospital and retirement home for French war veterans. For centuries, it served this important role, but by the early 1900s, the number of veterans had decreased significantly, and the building was simply too large for its original purpose. As a result, the remaining veterans were relocated to other facilities in Paris, making way for the transformation of the site into the museums we see today.
Les Invalides also played a pivotal role in some key historical events. On July 14, 1789, during the height of the French Revolution, rioters broke into the cellars of the building, seizing cannons and muskets. These very weapons were later used in the storming of the Bastille, a defining moment in French history. Today, this event is celebrated every year as Bastille Day, the national holiday of France.
Les Invalides architecture
The architecture of Les Invalides is a stunning example of classical French architecture, designed by Louis XIV's chief architect Libéral Bruant. The main building is made up of several wings and courtyards, with the most striking feature being the dome itself.
One of the most iconic architectural features of Les Invalides is the Dôme des Invalides, completed in 1708 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. The dome, soaring to a height of 107 meters, is covered in 12kg of gold leaf, giving it a brilliant glow that dominates the Paris skyline. The design is influenced by both classical and Renaissance styles, featuring pilasters, columns, and intricate detailing.
Pro tip: The best time to see the dome is at sunset when the light reflects off the gold, creating a beautiful glow!
Highlights of Les Invalides
1Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte
The gilded dome covering the tomb of Napoleon is a must-see, as is the red porphyry sarcophagus which holds his remains. It's said that the dome is so big that the Statue of Liberty in New York City was designed with its dimensions in mind.
2The Musée des Plans-Reliefs
The museum houses an impressive collection of 3D models of French fortresses and cities, used by military strategists in the 17th and 18th centuries. It's a great place to learn about military history while admiring the intricate models.
3The Dôme Church
The magnificent Dôme Church dominates the skyline of Les Invalides. Inside, the ceiling features a stunning painting of the Apotheosis of Saint Louis, and visitors can climb up to the top for stunning panoramic views of Paris.
4The Army Museum
The museum is housed inside Les Invalides, and boasts over 500,000 artifacts spanning 2,000 years of military history. Among its treasures are the personal belongings of Napoleon Bonaparte.
5The Cour d'Honneur
The Cour d'Honneur is a magnificent courtyard which serves as the main entrance to the Les Invalides complex. With a rich history and flanked by stunning architecture and elegant gardens, the grandeur of this courtyard reflects the splendor of French architectural heritage.
Best time to visit Les Invalides
The best time to visit Les Invalides is during the weekdays and early mornings to avoid crowds. The spring months from April to June and the fall months from September to November are the perfect seasons to explore the complex, as the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are relatively lower. During peak summer months from July to August, there will be longer queues, and the building may be crowded. Additionally, it's best to avoid visiting during French national holidays such as Bastille Day which falls on July 14 as the attraction will be packed with visitors. Moreover, the daylight hours are longer during the summer, providing visitors with more time to explore the area.
Les Invalides opening hours
- Open daily from 10am–6pm
- Last admission at 5:30pm
- Closed every year on the following days: January 1, May 1, and December 25.
- Open till 9pm on Tuesdays during temporary exhibition periods
Getting there
- By Car: Route via Av. du Maréchal Gallieni via the A1 and Boulevard Peripherique
The closest parking lot is Parking Indigo Paris Invalides. - By Bus: Route no. 69
Nearest Stop: Esplanade des Invalides bus stop - By Train: Train Line C
Nearest Stop: Invalides Station - By Metro: Route no. 8
Nearest Stop: La Tour Maubourg metro station
Insider tips to visit Les Invalides
- For military history enthusiasts, make sure to visit the Army Museum to get an insight into France’s military history.
- As there are multiple entrances at the complex, enter through the East entrance to avoid crowds.
- Dress in comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
- You can avail wheelchairs to explore the place.
- Photography is allowed in most areas, but it's important to respect any signage or instructions regarding photography restrictions.
- Les Invalides can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, so plan your visit accordingly to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
- Consider combining your visit to Les Invalides with a visit to other nearby attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower or the Musée d'Orsay, which are at a walking distance.
Les Invalides facts
- Les Invalides was originally built as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans by Louis XIV in 1670.
- Les Invalides is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including the ames Bond film "A View to a Kill" and the Netflix series "Emily in Paris".
- The church inside Les Invalides is home to several beautiful frescoes by French artist Charles de La Fosse.
- During World War II, Les Invalides was used as a weapons and munitions factory by the German army.
- The dome of Les Invalides was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, who also designed the Palace of Versailles.
- The French national flag is raised at 8am and lowered from the top of the dome of Les Invalides during sunset on a daily basis.
- The building is home to several museums, including the Army Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of military artifacts.
- The most famous resident of Les Invalides is Napoleon Bonaparte, whose tomb is located inside the building's iconic dome.
Restaurants near Les Invalides
Do you remember Gabriel's cafe in 'Emily in Paris'? Well, it's time to live the main-character moment as this place has the exact cozy and romantic ambiance. Serving lip-smacking French cuisine, you can plan a dinner for your special one straight out of a fantasy.
When in the romance capital, dine as the Parisians do! Delve your palette in the traditional French cuisine and don't forget to try their steak frites: it's one of the most delicious you'll ever have. Located just a 5-minute walk from Les Invalides, the resaturant will serve your appetite right!
If you're fond of everything luxury, L'Atelier is the place to be. Serving Michelin-starred French cuisine, the place has a refined experience that you just can't miss.
Le Procope is the oldest cafe in Paris! What began in 1686 has found its way to thrive over 3 centuries. Serving traditional french cuisine, make sure to get a reservation for yourself because it's definitely going to be booked out in advance! Some dish recommendations include Coq au vin and Tête de veau, braised beef cheek, homemade Mille-feuille, and traditional Procopio-style Tiramisù.
Places to stay near Les Invalides
Things to do near Les Invalides
Immerse yourself in the world of Impressionist art at the stunning Orsay Museum housed in a former railway station. Admire masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh, and take in the breathtaking views of the Seine River from the museum's clock tower.
Escape the bustling city and relax in the serene beauty of Luxembourg Gardens. Stroll through the manicured lawns, admire the vibrant flowerbeds, and find a cozy spot to sit and people-watch. Don't miss the charming Medici Fountain and the iconic Luxembourg Palace.
Descend into the eerie underworld of the Catacombs of Paris. Explore the ancient tunnels lined with human bones and skulls, and uncover the macabre history of this underground ossuary. A chilling and fascinating experience for history enthusiasts.
No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower. Take an elevator ride to the top for stunning panoramic views of the city or enjoy a picnic on the Champ de Mars beneath its towering presence. Don't forget to capture the perfect photo!
For breathtaking views without the crowds, head to Montparnasse Tower. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck on the 56th floor and marvel at the stunning vistas of Paris. Enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar and soak in the city's beauty from a different perspective.
FAQs
Les Invalides was completed in the year 1676.
Les Invalides was built by architect Libéral Bruant under the order of King Louis XIV of France.
Les Invalides covers an area of about 15 hectares.
The best mode of transport to reach Les Invalides in Paris is often the metro, with the nearest station being "Invalides" on lines 8 and 13.
Les Invalides remains closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.
No, there's no dress code for visiting Les Invalides.
