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Explore Les Invalides: A visitor’s guide to Paris’s military landmark

Visitor information at a glance

Entrances

Esplanade des Invalides side (only possible access for the first Friday of the month from 6pm) and Dôme des Invalides side (open from 2pm to 6pm)

Visitors

1.2 million visitors per year

Les Invalides opening hours

Paris Army Museum

Best time to visit Les Invalides

Dome des Invalides in Paris

Season

The ideal time to visit Les Invalides is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or fall (September to October), avoiding peak tourist crowds. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the museum comfortably, no matter the time of the day.

weekday Les Invalides

Weekend vs Weekday

Visit Les Invalides on weekdays for a quieter experience with fewer visitors, allowing you to explore exhibits more leisurely. Weekends tend to be busier, potentially leading to longer queues and increased crowds. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to get rid of longer waiting times altogether.

Hotel des Invalides, Paris during morning

Time of the day

To make the most of your visit, aim for early mornings or late afternoons during the weekdays to give yourself ample time to see every display. These off-peak hours offer a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to appreciate the museum's exhibits with fewer visitors and minimal waiting times.

Where is Les Invalides located?

Getting to Les Invalides

By public transport
By road
Getting to Les Invalides by metro
Getting to Les Invalides by road
  • The closest parking is at Indigo Paris Invalides, 23 Rue de Constantine. It costs around €4.30 per hour and approximately €40-45 for a full day of parking.

Taxis are widely available throughout Paris, and you can either hail one on the street or order one via a taxi service or app (e.g., G7 or Bolt). If you're in a popular area like Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde, or near the Eiffel Tower, you should have no trouble finding a taxi.

  • From Central Paris (e.g., Louvre or Notre-Dame): The trip typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic, as it's about 2-3 km (1-2 miles). Expect to pay around €10-15, depending on the time of day and traffic.
  • From the Eiffel Tower: It's about a 5-10 minute drive (around 1 km), so you can expect a very short ride. The cost is usually between €5-10.
  • From Gare du Nord (train station): It takes around 20-30 minutes by taxi, covering roughly 3.5 km (2 miles).



Book Les Invalides tickets & tours

Invalides: Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
More details
Invalides Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum Tickets + Seine River Cruise
Free cancellation
Mobile ticket
3 hr.
Audio guide
More details
from
€39.90
Invalides & Napoleon's Tomb Guided Tour
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr.
Guided tour
More details
from
€132.50
Combo (Save 5%): Napoleon's Tomb & Musée de l'Armée Skip-the-Line Tickets + WWII: Normandy U.S. D-Day Beaches Full Day Trip with Lunch from Paris
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Guided tour
Transfers included
Meals included
More details
from
€128.25

Know before you visit Les Invalides

Entrances
Accessibility
Visitor tips
Rules
Eat
Stay
Nearby
entrance to Les Invalides
  • Cour d'Honneur: The main entrance to the complex, this courtyard is surrounded by gardens and architecture.
  • Esplanade des Invalides side: This entrance is only accessible on the first Friday of the month after 6pm.
  • Dôme des Invalides side: Located at 2 Place Vauban, this entrance is open from 2 to 6pm. Use this entrance for those visiting Napoleon’s Tomb.
Les Invalides is accessible via wheelchair for people with disability

Les Invalides is accessible to all visitors, offering the following facilities:

  • Lifts
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair on loan
  • Toilets
  • Adapted toilets for people with reduced mobility
  • Cash machine
  • Cloakroom
Napoleon's Tomb at Invalides - Paris Army Museum
  • Dôme des Invalides: The Dôme des Invalides and Napoleon's tomb are must-sees. Since the site can get busy, consider visiting it early in your visit to avoid crowds.
  • Musée des Plans-Reliefs: Visit the Musée des Plans-Reliefs within the museum for a distinctive 3D map experience that provides a unique perspective on historical landscapes.
  • Temporary exhibitions: Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions that may offer deeper insights into specific periods or figures in military history.
  • Gardens: Don't just focus on the indoor exhibits. Take time to stroll through the courtyards and gardens, which are peaceful and historically significant.
no food or drinks allowed inside Invalides
  • Photography is allowed in most areas, but you are expected to follow any signage or instructions.
  • Carry an identity card and other documents if you would like to borrow a wheelchair to tour the museum.
  • Maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere within the museum. Avoid loud conversations, especially in exhibition areas.
  • Stay behind any barriers or designated areas to ensure the preservation of artifacts.
  • Eating and drinking are not allowed in exhibition areas.
  • Please silence your mobile phone or set it to vibrate mode. Do not talk loudly on the phone while in the museum.
Salmon, Modern French Cuisine - Gourmet Food
  • Le Florimond (Approx. 0.5 km) - Indulge in lip-smacking French cuisine with a cozy and romantic ambiance.
  • L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (Approx 1km) - Fine dining at its best. Enjoy Michelin-starred French cuisine for a refined experience. 
  • Le Procope (Approx 2km) - Head to the oldest cafe in Paris and savor traditional French cuisine.
stay near Les Invalides

Luxury stays:

Economy stays:

Hostels:

Orsay Museum
  • Orsay Museum: Orsay Museum will stun you with its artwork, and the best part is that it is housed in a former railway station. Take your time exploring the extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces.
  • Eiffel Tower: Witness the iconic Eiffel Tower's breathtaking views of Paris. Ascend to its observation decks for a panoramic experience of the city's landmarks and the Seine River.
  • Musee Rodin: Discover Auguste Rodin's artistic legacy at Musee Rodin. Admire sculptures like "The Thinker" in the museum's beautiful garden setting, which showcases the artist's timeless brilliance.
  • Luxembourg Gardens: Explore the serene Luxembourg Gardens, filled with lush greenery, statues, and fountains. Relax by the pond or stroll through the manicured lawns.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Les Invalides

Will I enjoy visiting Les Invalides even if I do not have an interest in French history?

The stunning architecture, the impressive Dôme des Invalides, and the Napoleon's Tomb are visually captivating. Plus, the complex offers a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere that's worth experiencing for its cultural and architectural value alone.

I have limited time. What are the highlights of Les Invalides?

You must not miss Dôme des Invalides, where Napoleon's tomb is situated as well as the Army Museum. This could take 1.5 to 2 hours to cover.

How easy is it to visit Les Invalides with families?

Visiting Hôtel des Invalides with family is quite easy. There are also cafés for breaks and ample public transport options nearby. It’s a great place for families, though young children might get tired from the extensive walking.

How long does it take to explore the entire Les Invalides complex?

Exploring the Les Invalides complex typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, but the duration may vary based on individual interests.

Is Les Invalides wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the site is wheelchair accessible, including the museum and Napoleon's Tomb.

Is photography allowed inside Les Invalides?

Yes, photography is allowed in most sections of the Hôtel des Invalides. However, restrictions may apply in specific exhibit areas. Please ensure you do not use flash or carry any camera equipment, like tripods, inside the premises.

Are there any dining options available at Les Invalides?

Choose to refuel at Le carré des Invalides or the Angelina Tearoom.