Napoleon's Tomb

The Basics

Napoleon’s tomb lies in a 1600s chapel at the southern edge of the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée). The museum houses nine permanent and temporary exhibitions in its central Cour d’Honneur building: artillery collections; arms and armor from the Middle Ages to World War II; figurines and musical instruments; and historical models of cities and military campaigns. The complex also contains more than 14 courtyards, a cathedral, and a café.

Breeze through the entrance with a skip-the-line tour of Les Invalides, a popular option for visitors with limited time in Paris. For an in-depth overview of Napoleon’s tomb, book a private tour of the museum complex. Hop-on hop-off bus passes are a convenient way to visit the museum and other Paris highlights, and offer a convenient way to sightsee without the stress of navigating.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Musée de l’Armée and Napoleon’s tomb are a must for history and military buffs.

• Le Carré, the museum’s on-site restaurant, offers a wide selection of lunch and bakery options.

• Les Invalides is often visited in conjunction with the Musée Rodin, just across the street.

• The museum complex is accessible to wheelchair users, and loaner wheelchairs available at the front desk. The accessible entrance is located at 6 Boulevard des Invalides.

How to Get There

Musée de l’Armée is in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, about a 20-minute walk east of the Eiffel Tower. The nearest metro stops are Invalides on lines 8 and 13, La Tour Maubourg on line 8, and Varenne on line 13. Alternatively, take bus 93 to Invalides.

When to Get There

Napoleon’s tomb and the museum are open daily from 10am to 6pm from April to October, and to 5pm November to March. Peak visiting hours are in the afternoon, so go in the morning for a quieter visit. Concerts in the Cathedral of Saint-Louis (Cathédral Saint-Louis des Invalides) are offered throughout the year; check online for a full calendar of events.

From Exile to Paris

Les Invalides became Napoleon’s final resting place only about 20 years after he died on the British island of Saint Helena. In 1841, the government decided to exhume Napoleon’s body from UK territory and give him a proper burial in France—in a political effort to unite the French people and increase the government’s popularity.

Ways to explore

Set aside a half day to check out Napoleon’s Tomb and the rest of Les Invalides—tickets to the complex also include the Dome Church and Army Museum, as well as the site’s several scenic courtyards. Skip-the-line tours of Les Invalides allow you to breeze through the entrance and see the highlights, while Napoleon I-themed tours give you a more comprehensive view of the military leader’s far-reaching influence. To see Napoleon’s Tomb in combination with other Paris attractions, get a hop-on hop-off bus pass and sightsee without the stress of navigating.

Accessibility

Napoleon’s Tomb is not wheelchair accessible, as the Dome Church can only be reached via stairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, city guide

What to wear

You’ll do lots of walking through Les Invalides’ many museums and courtyards, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Smoking, drones, non-service animals

Amenities

Restrooms, cloakroom, ATM, gift shop, cafeteria

Address

Napoleon’s Tomb is located within the Les Invalides complex in the 7th arrondissement. You can walk there from nearby sights such as the Musée d’Orsay and Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin), though it’s also reachable by car, bikeshare, and public transportation.

Driving

Visitors to Paris are better off using taxis and rideshares as opposed to self-navigating around the bustling city. The drive to Les Invalides takes 25 minutes or less from most Paris attractions.

Public transportation

You can take either the train or the Paris Metro to Napoleon’s Tomb. The Invalides station, served by metro lines 8 and 13 as well as the RER C, is just north of the museum complex.

Best times to visit

It’s recommended to book tickets for Napoleon’s Tomb in advance and arrive during your designated time slot.

Best days to visit

The first Friday of the month is a unique time to visit Les Invalides, as the complex is open until late at night. In general, weekdays are relatively calm.

Best months to visit

Napoleon’s Tomb is a year-round attraction, though strolling through Les Invalides’ picturesque courtyards is particularly nice in the warmer months of June–October.

Special events

Visit Napoleon’s Tomb during European Heritage Days in September, when Les Invalides offers free tours to parts of the complex that are normally closed.