Les Invalides

The Basics

Located in the seventh arrondissement, Les Invalides is one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks, and welcomes millions of visitors each year. In addition to its practical functions, the complex also contains three museums: the Musée de l’Armée (one of the world’s biggest collections dedicated to military history and art), the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (which contains historical models of fortified cities), and the Musée de l’Ordre de la Libération (a small museum that explores the French Resistance during World War II).

The jewel of Les Invalides is the Dôme des Invalides, which was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Considered a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, the church’s gilded dome is, at 351 feet (107 meters) high, the loftiest in Paris. Within, the church houses the tombs of notable figures—most famously that of Napoleon Bonaparte. For those looking to explore further, Les Invalides is a frequent stop on hop-on hop-off bus tours; walking tour itineraries, meanwhile, make it simpler to navigate the enormous site, and also frequently include skip-the-line privileges.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A Les Invalides ticket includes entry to the Dôme (and the Tomb of Napoleon), the Saint-Louis Cathedral, the Charles de Gaulle Monument, and all three museums.

• In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée de l’Armée also hosts temporary exhibitions.

• Les Invalides is a popular destination for architecture lovers and history buffs, particularly those who are fascinated by military history.

How to Get There

Visitors can take Métro lines 8 or 13, or the RER C, to the Invalides stop. Les Invalides is also easily accessible on foot from other nearby attractions, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay.

When to Get There

The Invalides complex is open daily from 7am–7:30pm (except on Tuesdays from April–September, when it closes at 9pm). Individual museums and on-site attractions have a range of visiting hours (and holiday closures), so be sure to research opening times in advance. Les Invalides also hosts and participates in a number of events throughout the year, including the International Automobile Festival, Nuit Blanche, Night at Les Invalides, concerts and film screenings, and more.

Les Invalides and the French Revolution

Les Invalides played an important role in the French Revolution: a mob stormed the site and took thousands of weapons, including guns and cannons, before continuing onward to the Bastille.

Ways to explore

Popular among architecture lovers and history buffs, Les Invalides offers a single ticket for its main points of interest, including the Army Museum, the Dome, and Napoleon’s Tomb. It also gets you access to the complex’s smaller museums centered around the French Resistance during World War II and other facets of military history. Guided tours, meanwhile, include skip-the-line access and expert commentary.

For those looking to explore Paris further, Les Invalides is a popular stop on city tours. Book an experience by bike, Segway, or car to pack in a variety of attractions in just a few hours.

Accessibility

Les Invalides is partially accessible. The museums have ground-floor access and elevators, and the site offers wheelchairs for loan. However, the Dome Church can only be reached by stairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, city guide

What to wear

Les Invalides is enormous and comprises several unshaded courtyards, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Not allowed

Smoking, drones, non-service animals

Amenities

Restrooms, cloakroom, ATM, gift shop, cafeteria

Address

Les Invalides is located in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, an attraction-filled area on the left bank (south side) of the Seine. You can walk there from the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and other sights, or reach the museum complex by car or public transportation.

Driving

For visitors, self-navigating through bustling central Paris typically is not worth the stress. Instead, take a taxi or book a rideshare to Les Invalides—it’s within a roughly 25-minute drive of most attractions.

Public transportation

The museum complex is easy to reach by train and the Paris Metro. You can take the RER C or metro lines 8 or 13 to the Invalides stop, located just north of the complex.

Best times to visit

Les Invalides is open from morning to night—book your ticket in advance and arrive during your designated time slot.

Best days to visit

Weekends are busy at Les Invalides, so go on a weekday for a calmer atmosphere—or the first Friday of the month to access the site at night.

Best months to visit

Visit Les Invalides between June–October, when Paris’ warm weather makes strolling through the sprawling courtyards especially pleasant.

Special events

Les Invalides hosts a variety of events, including concerts and film screenings, year-round. During European Heritage Days in September, the complex offers free workshops, activities, and access to exclusive areas.