Esplanade des Invalides
Paris, Île-de-France
It’s easy to rack up thousands of steps when exploring Paris, making green spaces like the Esplanade des Invalides a welcome spot for respite. This city park stretches from the Seine to the Les Invalides museums, with grassy lawns for picnicking and admiring the surrounding architecture, including the gilded Dôme des Invalides, Paris’ tallest building besides the Eiffel Tower.
The basics
For many travelers, the best way to experience the Esplanade des Invalides is to sit on the grass with crepes and a camera, people-watching and spotting the many monuments in view. Within walking distance of Napoleon’s Tomb and the Rodin Museum, the park is the perfect place for a break from sightseeing. The Esplanade des Invalides also features on a variety of guided Paris tours, which show you the city by e-bike, sidecar motorcycle, hop-on hop-off bus, and more.
Things to know before you go
- While the Esplanade des Invalides doesn’t afford unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower, you can spot the tip of the monument in the distance.
- There are public restrooms on the north and south sides.
- Several restaurants line the green space, though many travelers prefer to pack a picnic.
- The sidewalks are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The park is a great choice for families as there’s plenty of space for playing.
- There’s little shade here, so bring sunscreen if you plan to lounge on a sunny day.
How to get there
To best appreciate the grandeur of Esplanade des Invalides, head there on foot by crossing the Seine via Pont Alexandre III, one of Paris’ most beautiful bridges with views of the Grand Palais and Les Invalides. The park is within a 30-minute walk of sights like the Luxembourg Gardens and Arc de Triomphe, and it’s easy to reach from Invalides metro station.
When to get there
The Esplanade des Invalides is best enjoyed on a warm, sunny day: Paris gets most of those from May to September. Time your visit for a picnic lunch—and bring a hat to ward off the sun—or a late-afternoon apéro on the lawn.
What to see at Les Invalides
A rest on the esplanade will prepare you to see several attractions in Les Invalides, a complex of monuments and museums dedicated to French military history. The towering Dôme des Invalides is a highlight, which houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. History buffs should make time to explore the Army Museum, featuring art, armor, and other military artifacts dating from the Middle Ages to World War II.
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