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Napoleon’s Tomb tickets

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Napoleon’s Tomb | Dôme des Invalides - The tallest church in Paris

The Dôme des Invalides has a history that is strongly related to that of France. It served as a cathedral during Louis XIV's reign, was home to Napoleon I's tomb in the 19th century, and housed Allied pilots during World War II.

The 107-meter (351-foot) gold-gilded baroque dome, perched atop the Hotel des Invalides' Royal Chapel, is a prominent feature of the Paris skyline and serves as a guide to Napoleon's Tomb, one of the city's main attractions. The Dôme des Invalides is situated in the heart of Les Invalides and you can gain access to it with any of the Army Museum tickets. Let’s get to know what you can do when you visit the tomb, and understand each ticket better.

Why visit Napoleon’s Tomb in Dôme des Invalides?

Les Invalides stands as a testament to France’s enduring military legacy. A prominent sight in the Parisian landscape thanks to its famous Dome, the Hôtel National des Invalides is an exceptional army museum. Some say the tomb is a highlight of every trip to Paris and worth visiting even if you only have a few minutes.

Must-see highlights

The 107-meter high (351 ft) gold gilded dome catches your eye not only when inside the complex of Les Invalides but also can be seen standing tall in the Parisian skyline. The Dôme des Invalides is also home to Napoleon I's tomb.

Current use

The Dôme des Invalides was initially built as a Royal Chapel ordered by Louis XIV but was soon converted into a resting place for France’s military heroes by Napoleon Bonaparte. It’s here Napoleon Bonaparte's remains were interned in 1861.

Unique facts

  • The tomb, with its red porphyry sarcophagus and five nested coffins, was designed by the Italian-born architect Louis-Tullius-Joachim Visconti and not completed until 1861, some 40 years after Napoleon's death.
  • The Dôme des Invalides inspired the Capitol Building in the United States.

Your Dôme des Invalides tickets explained

Ticket typeIs Dôme des Invalides access included?Why go for it?Recommended tours

Skip-the-line tickets

✅

Save time with priority entry and gain more time exploring

Invalides: Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

Guided tour

✅

Guided by an expert, hear interesting tidbits otherwise unknown

Invalides & Napoleon's Tomb Guided Tour

Immersive experience

✅

Gain exclusive access in a crowd-free setting with a bonus immersive experience at nighttime

Invalides: Aura Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

Combo deals

✅

Cover more attractions with just one ticket. Great for those traveling on a budget and with time constraints. Avail of essential benefits.

Pair Army Museum tickets with a Seine cruise, or choose Invalides with the Aura Immersive Experience

Explore the inside of Dôme des Invalides

Les Invalides Paris exterior with golden dome and courtyard, highlighting historical architecture.
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​The former 'Royal Chapel' is now a mausoleum and it's here Napoleon Bonaparte's remains were interned in 1861. In order to accommodate the tomb, architect Louis Visconti had to redesign the high altar of the domed church.

Upon completion in 1861, the remains of Napoleon’s body were then placed in six coffins inside a tomb, which was fashioned from red Finnish porphyry with a green granite base, and placed inside the crypt.

The mausoleum also contains the tombs of some of Napoleon's family, as well as other French military leaders and war heroes.

Alongside the mausoleum, dedicated to the genius responsible for the Fortifications of Vauban and the exquisitely built tombs of notable figures from French history, are the canopied black-marble altar designed by Visconti and frescoes painted by the painter Charles de La Fosse.

All about Dôme des Invalides

Visitors near Napoleon's Tomb Invalides - Paris Army Museum
  • 1677: Under the authority of Louis XIV, the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart had the Invalides' royal chapel built.
  • 1706: During Louis XIV's reign, the Dôme des Invalides opened its doors and served as the magnificent backdrop for important moments in French history.
  • 1789: It hosted royal Masses during the reign of Louis XIV and was the Temple of Mars during the French Revolution. 
  • 1800: Napoleon I decided to place Turenne's tomb there and turned the building into a pantheon of military glories. 
  • 1861: The body of Emperor Napoleon I was finally laid to rest here.
  • 1939: The site was turned into a barracks by the occupying force, but the Morin family, who lived on the premises, secretly sheltered Allied pilots there for three years during the Second World War.
  • Present day: It not only houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte but also Vauban's mausoleum, the graves of Napoleon II (also known as "The Eaglet"), Joseph and Jérôme Bonaparte, the Generals Bertrand and Duroc, and the famous Marshals Foch and Lyautey.
Dome of Invalides
  • The Dôme is one of the best examples of French classical architecture. It is located in the center of the Hôtel National des Invalides, a historic complex and centuries-old institution. Its clean lines, harmonic center design, and 12-kilogram gold dome showcase the creativity of its architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
  • The Dôme at the Hôtel National des Invalides was the tallest building in Paris for almost two centuries until the Eiffel Tower was built in 1889.  Visible from miles around at 107 meters tall, the monument stands out on the Paris skyline, with its golden dome brightening up the City of Lights day and night.
Dome des Invalides in Paris
  • The best time to visit is between June and October when the weather is ideal for sightseeing. You can also try to visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
  • Some say the best place to take photos at Napoleon's tomb is from the balcony of the Army Museum, which allows you to view the tomb while bowing your head to the emperor.

Frequently asked questions about Dôme des Invalides

If you have a ticket to Les Invalides, you are free to explore the entire complex including Dôme des Invalides.