Les Invalides Paris - Tomb of Napoleon

Visit Napoleon's Tomb and Army Museum - Tickets Hôtel des Invalides

Visit Les Invalides in Paris, a historic complex with the stunning Dôme des Invalides, Napoleon's tomb and the Army Museum (Musée de l'Armée). Book tickets for Hôtel des Invalides and discover French military history.

Visit Hôtel des Invalides in Paris

Les Invalides is a slightly lesser-known tourist attraction in Paris. It is a sizable former military complex and consists of buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The original purpose of Hôtel des Invalides was to house injured French soldiers. Today, the complex is most known for housing Musée de l’Armée and the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

^{Visit Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France}

^{Courtyard in Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France}

Les Invalides is located in the 7th district of the French capital, close to the well-known Pont Alexandre III bridge. The old royal chapel, Dôme des Invalides, is the most stunning structure there. Napleon’s Tomb is located beneath the chapel’s golden dome.

Les Invalides houses a number of interesting museums, of which Musée de l’Armée is the most well-known. A sizable collection of historical French army items can be found in the museum. The museum’s earliest object dates back to the 13th century. The collection of Musée de l'Armée consists of weapons, cannons, armor, uniforms, paintings, photographs, and personal belongings of well-known French military leaders.

^{Interior of the church of Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, France}

^{Visiting the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte}

History of Les Invalides

Les Invalides was built in 1671 in order of King Louis XIV. Its purpose was to provide shelter for French soldiers who were injured during their service. Les Invalides was the first shelter for military personnel in Europe. The sizable military complex is designed like a small town with its own church and hospital. At the end of the 17th century, Les Invalides housed 4,000 inhabitants. Today, Les Invalides is best known for the Tomb of Napoleon.

The Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte

The Tomb of Napoleon is located in the Dôme des Invalides. The tomb is made of red quartz and rests on a platform made of green granite. Napoleon’s Tomb is located in a crypt that was made especially for it. Twelve large sculptures that each represent a victory for Napoleon encircle the grave monument.

^{Musée de l’Armée in Les Invalides}

^{Visit Musée de l’Armée, the French Army Museum}

Museums in Les Invalides:

1. Musée de l’Armée

The Musée de l’Armée has a sizable collection of historical attributes of the French army. Swords and armor from the past can be found in the museum, along with modern photography and cinema. There are frequently changing exhibitions in the museum.

2. Musée de l’Orde de la Liberation

The compact museum honors the heroes who had an important role in the liberation of France during World War II.

3. Musée des Plans-Reliefs

The museum displays an extensive collection war attributes from the time of Napoleon and displays three-dimensional military models from the 17th and 18th centuries. The models were used in the field to choose an attack strategy.

Tours & Tickets Les Invalides Paris

Every year, 1.4 million people visit Hôtel des Invalides. An entry ticket is required to visit the sizable military complex. A ticket also provides access to the Dôme des Invalides and the museums in the complex. It is possible to book your tickets online.

Video: Hôtel des Invalides in Paris France

How do I get to Les Invalides?

The Paris Metro is a convenient and easy way to visit Les Invalides. The old military complex can be reached via Line 8 at the Invalides stop or Line 13 at the Varenne stop.