Help

Top things to do in Paris

Experience the best of Hôtel National des Invalides

Paris Army Museum, housed in the historic Les Invalides complex, offers a captivating journey through France's military history. Discover artifacts, weaponry, a vast collection of uniforms, and even Napoleon's tomb! A must-visit for those interested in military heritage and strategy.
4.7/5
16,558 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 16, Courtyard of Invalides with military display, Paris Army Museum.
Courtyard of Invalides with military display, Paris Army Museum.
Armour suits and uniforms displayed at Army Museum, Paris with visitors exploring exhibits.
Napoleon's uniform display at Army Museum, Paris, with historical artifacts.
Invalides dome and gardens in Paris, site of Napoleon's Tomb and Army Museum.
Napoleon's Tomb with wreaths at Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Visitors viewing Napoleon's Tomb at the Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Dome interior of Napoleon's Tomb at the Paris Army Museum, featuring ornate frescoes.
Entrance gate to Invalides, Paris, leading to Napoleon's Tomb and Army Museum.
Army uniforms on display at The Army Museum with visitor observing.
Metal armour suits on display at Army Museum, Paris.
Visitors viewing historical weapons at Paris Army Museum exhibition.
Display of military artifacts and vintage posters at Paris Army Museum exhibition.
Scale models of British soldiers and horse at Invalides - Paris Army Museum.
Courtyard of the Army Museum at Les Invalides, Paris, illuminated at night.
Immersive light display inside Invalides, Paris, showcasing vibrant projections on columns and ceiling.
Seine River cruise boat passing Notre-Dame Cathedral at dusk in Paris.

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

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Access the entire Invalides complex with one ticket, including the Army Museum, Napoleon’s tomb, Dôme des Invalides, Saint-Louis Cathedral, Museum of Relief Maps, and Museum of the Order of Liberation.

  • Save time with skip-the-line entry and explore one of Paris’s most prestigious monuments at your own pace.

  • Discover 500,000+ artifacts across permanent collections, artillery displays, interactive digital exhibits, and temporary exhibitions on French military history.

  • Upgrade your visit with a multilingual audio guide, an expert-led guided tour, or a combo ticket with a 1-hour Seine River sightseeing cruise.

More details

  • Access the entire Invalides complex with one ticket, including the Army Museum, Napoleon’s tomb, Dôme des Invalides, Saint-Louis Cathedral, Museum of Relief Maps, and Museum of the Order of Liberation.

  • Save time with skip-the-line entry and explore one of Paris’s most prestigious monuments at your own pace.

  • Discover 500,000+ artifacts across permanent collections, artillery displays, interactive digital exhibits, and temporary exhibitions on French military history.

  • Upgrade your visit with a multilingual audio guide, an expert-led guided tour, or a combo ticket with a 1-hour Seine River sightseeing cruise.

from
€17
Slide 1 of 11, Immersive light display inside Invalides dome, Paris, showcasing vibrant projections.
Immersive light display inside Invalides dome, Paris, showcasing vibrant projections.
Immersive light display inside Invalides, Paris, showcasing vibrant projections on columns and ceiling.
Immersive light show at Invalides, Paris, with vibrant projections on columns and dome.
Visitors observing Aura Immersive light display at Invalides, Paris.
Immersive light projections inside Invalides dome, Paris, for Aura experience.
Invalides interior with immersive light display during Aura experience in Paris.
Aura Immersive light show at Invalides, Paris, with vibrant projections on historic architecture.
Audience at Aura Immersive show, Invalides stage with colorful light projections.
Visitors experiencing Aura Immersive light show at Invalides, Paris.
People experiencing Aura Immersive light show at Invalides, Paris.
Dome interior with vibrant frescoes at Invalides Aura Immersive Experience, Paris.

Invalides: Aura Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

50 mins

  • Step inside the Dôme des Invalides after dark for an exclusive nighttime experience, far from the usual daytime crowds.

  • Watch Napoleon’s tomb, the six chapels, and the grand vaulted ceiling come alive through immersive video mapping.

  • Experience a 50-minute multimedia show that blends orchestral music, light projections, and special effects inside one of Paris’s most iconic monuments.

  • See the Dôme’s architecture in a completely new way, with its 90-meter-high ceiling and historic interiors transformed into a dramatic sensory spectacle.

More details

  • Step inside the Dôme des Invalides after dark for an exclusive nighttime experience, far from the usual daytime crowds.

  • Watch Napoleon’s tomb, the six chapels, and the grand vaulted ceiling come alive through immersive video mapping.

  • Experience a 50-minute multimedia show that blends orchestral music, light projections, and special effects inside one of Paris’s most iconic monuments.

  • See the Dôme’s architecture in a completely new way, with its 90-meter-high ceiling and historic interiors transformed into a dramatic sensory spectacle.

from
€28
Slide 1 of 14, Invalides dome and Seine River cruise near Eiffel Tower, Paris.
Invalides dome and Seine River cruise near Eiffel Tower, Paris.
Courtyard of Invalides with military display, Paris Army Museum.
Visitors viewing Napoleon's Tomb at the Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Seine River cruise boat near Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.
Tourists on a Seine River cruise with Eiffel Tower and Pont Alexandre III in Paris.
Napoleon's Tomb with wreaths at Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Dome interior of Napoleon's Tomb at the Paris Army Museum, featuring ornate frescoes.
Tour guide speaking to tourists on a Seine River cruise in Paris.
Family enjoying macarons on a Seine River cruise with Eiffel Tower in the background.
Visitors viewing historical weapons at Paris Army Museum exhibition.
Armour suits and uniforms displayed at Army Museum, Paris with visitors exploring exhibits.
Seine River cruise boat passing Notre-Dame Cathedral at dusk in Paris.
Seine River cruise boat passing by the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Seine River cruise boat with tourists at sunset near Eiffel Tower, Paris.

Combo (Save 15%): Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets + Seine River Sightseeing Cruise

Explore at your pace
Audio guide

  • Pick this combo that blends culture and beauty, offering both a deep historical experience and postcard-worthy views of Paris from the water.

  • Dive into French history with skip-the-line access to the Army Museum and Les Invalides, where you can explore Napoleon’s tomb, historic weapons, and rare artifacts at your own pace.

  • Go on a relaxing 1-hour Seine River cruise on any day of your choice, gliding past the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay with audio commentary in 14 languages.

  • The Army Museum and cruise boarding point are just 1.7 km apart, so you can explore both in one day or on separate days.

More details

  • Pick this combo that blends culture and beauty, offering both a deep historical experience and postcard-worthy views of Paris from the water.

  • Dive into French history with skip-the-line access to the Army Museum and Les Invalides, where you can explore Napoleon’s tomb, historic weapons, and rare artifacts at your own pace.

  • Go on a relaxing 1-hour Seine River cruise on any day of your choice, gliding past the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Musée d'Orsay with audio commentary in 14 languages.

  • The Army Museum and cruise boarding point are just 1.7 km apart, so you can explore both in one day or on separate days.

from Original price€38
€32.20

15% off

Slide 1 of 15, Visitors walking in the courtyard of Les Invalides, Paris, with the dome in view.
Visitors walking in the courtyard of Les Invalides, Paris, with the dome in view.
Dome des Invalides in Paris with golden dome and historic architecture.
Tour guide explaining to a group during the Invalides & Napoleon's Tomb tour in Paris.
Armour suits and uniforms displayed at Army Museum, Paris with visitors exploring exhibits.
Napoleon's Tomb with wreaths at Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Dome interior of Napoleon's Tomb at the Paris Army Museum, featuring ornate frescoes.
Visitors viewing Napoleon's Tomb at the Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Tomb of Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte at Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Visitors entering the Paris Army Museum at Invalides.
Cannons displayed at the Army Museum in Invalides, Paris.
Courtyard of the Army Museum in Paris with historic cannons on display.
Metal armour suits on display at Army Museum, Paris.
Motorcycle display at Invalides museum, Paris, part of Napoleon's Tomb tour.
World War 2 swords on display at Army Museum, Paris.
Napoleon on horseback, featured in the Invalides Dome, Paris tour.

Invalides: Napoleon’s Tomb & Army Museum Guided Tour

2 hrs

  • Explore Les Invalides on a guided small-group tour (max 8 guests) focused on the life, rise, and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte.

  • Walk through the Army Museum galleries dedicated to Napoleon, from his early ambitions to the reforms that shaped modern France.

  • Step inside the Dome Church and hear the dramatic story of Napoleon’s exile and return.

  • Learn from a passionate, English-speaking local guide who brings complex history to life in a clear, engaging 1.5-hour experience.

  • Upgrade to an intimate, well-paced semi-private tour designed for curious travelers who want insight and context, not a rushed museum visit.

More details

  • Explore Les Invalides on a guided small-group tour (max 8 guests) focused on the life, rise, and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte.

  • Walk through the Army Museum galleries dedicated to Napoleon, from his early ambitions to the reforms that shaped modern France.

  • Step inside the Dome Church and hear the dramatic story of Napoleon’s exile and return.

  • Learn from a passionate, English-speaking local guide who brings complex history to life in a clear, engaging 1.5-hour experience.

  • Upgrade to an intimate, well-paced semi-private tour designed for curious travelers who want insight and context, not a rushed museum visit.

from
€50
Slide 1 of 10, Invalides Paris exterior and interior with immersive light display.
Invalides Paris exterior and interior with immersive light display.
Courtyard of Army Museum with dome in Paris, France.
Napoleon's Tomb with floral wreaths at Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Immersive light display inside Invalides, Paris, showcasing vibrant projections on columns and ceiling.
Dome interior with vibrant frescoes at Invalides Aura Immersive Experience, Paris.
Invalides museum with Paris street view in foreground.
Dome interior of Napoleon's Tomb at the Paris Army Museum, featuring ornate frescoes.
Metal armour suits on display at Army Museum, Paris.
Immersive light projections inside Invalides dome, Paris, for Aura experience.
Invalides interior with immersive light display during Aura experience in Paris.

Combo (Save 5%): Invalides Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum + Aura Immersive Experience Skip-the-Line Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Enjoy fast-track entry to the Army Museum and all its attractions, saving you time to fully explore at your own pace.

  • Gain full access to the Army Museum, Napoleon’s Tomb in the Dome Church, the Museum of Plans-Reliefs, and the Museum of l’Ordre de la Libération, with both permanent and temporary exhibits.

  • Experience the Aura light and sound show, a 50-minute immersive multimedia spectacle that brings the Dôme des Invalides to life with stunning projections and orchestral music.

  • The perfect combination of Parisian history, military heritage, and cutting-edge multimedia technology, this is a unique and exciting way to experience this iconic monument.

More details

  • Enjoy fast-track entry to the Army Museum and all its attractions, saving you time to fully explore at your own pace.

  • Gain full access to the Army Museum, Napoleon’s Tomb in the Dome Church, the Museum of Plans-Reliefs, and the Museum of l’Ordre de la Libération, with both permanent and temporary exhibits.

  • Experience the Aura light and sound show, a 50-minute immersive multimedia spectacle that brings the Dôme des Invalides to life with stunning projections and orchestral music.

  • The perfect combination of Parisian history, military heritage, and cutting-edge multimedia technology, this is a unique and exciting way to experience this iconic monument.

from Original price€45
€42.75

5% off

Slide 1 of 11, Dome des Invalides in Paris with golden dome and historic architecture.
Dome des Invalides in Paris with golden dome and historic architecture.
Napoleon's Tomb with wreaths at Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Arc de Triomphe in Paris with tourists and clear blue sky.
Arc de Triomphe interior with engraved names and ornate ceiling, Paris.
Rue de Rivoli in Paris with historic buildings and statues at sunset.
Tuileries Gardens with visitors near Grand Carre, Paris.
Louvre Museum exterior with courtyard and glass pyramid in Paris.
Place de la Concorde in Paris with Luxor Obelisk and fountain.
Les Invalides northern facade with manicured gardens, Paris, France.
Tomb of Joseph Napoleon Bonaparte at Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Seine River cruise passing Musée d'Orsay and Pont Royal in Paris.

Historical Walking Tour with Skip-the-line Entry to Invalides

Explore at your pace

  • Walk through Imperial Paris with an expert English-speaking guide, tracing Napoleon’s story across landmarks like Place Vendôme, Rue de Rivoli, Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden, and the Louvre.

  • See the Paris Napoleon helped shape, from grand boulevards and monuments to symbolic sites tied to his rise, reign, military victories, and lasting legacy.

  • End your guided walk at Les Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb rests beneath the golden dome of the Dôme des Invalides.

  • Continue at your own pace with entry to the Musée de l’Armée, Napoleon’s Tomb, and Les Invalides after your 1.5-hour guided walking tour.

More details

  • Walk through Imperial Paris with an expert English-speaking guide, tracing Napoleon’s story across landmarks like Place Vendôme, Rue de Rivoli, Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Garden, and the Louvre.

  • See the Paris Napoleon helped shape, from grand boulevards and monuments to symbolic sites tied to his rise, reign, military victories, and lasting legacy.

  • End your guided walk at Les Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb rests beneath the golden dome of the Dôme des Invalides.

  • Continue at your own pace with entry to the Musée de l’Armée, Napoleon’s Tomb, and Les Invalides after your 1.5-hour guided walking tour.

from
€44.27
Slide 1 of 14, Invalides with Napoleon's Tomb and Army Museum on left, Rodin Museum gardens on right, Paris.
Invalides with Napoleon's Tomb and Army Museum on left, Rodin Museum gardens on right, Paris.
Courtyard of Invalides with military display, Paris Army Museum.
Napoleon's Tomb with floral wreaths at Invalides, Paris Army Museum.
Rodin Museum facade with sculptures in Paris garden.
Rodin Museum garden with sculptures and pond, Paris, featuring the golden dome of Les Invalides.
Invalides dome and gardens in Paris, site of Napoleon's Tomb and Army Museum.
Visitors entering the Paris Army Museum at Invalides.
Armour suits and uniforms displayed at Army Museum, Paris with visitors exploring exhibits.
Metal armour suits on display at Army Museum, Paris.
Rodin Museum garden with sculpture and historic building in Paris.
Rodin Museum gallery with sculptures and busts displayed on walls and pedestals.
Tourists viewing The Kiss sculpture at the Rodin Museum in Paris.
Visitors observing The Gates of Hell sculpture at Rodin Museum, Paris.
Rodin Museum garden with The Thinker sculpture in Paris, France.

Combo (Save 5%): Invalides Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum + Rodin Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets

Extended validity
Explore at your pace

  • Visit two iconic cultural and historical landmarks in Paris, Les Invalides and the Rodin Museum.

  • At Les Invalides, explore Napoleon’s tomb, the Army Museum, the Museum of Relief Maps, and the Museum of the Order of Liberation, with interactive exhibits and collections that trace France’s military legacy.

  • You’ll also get access to the Cour d’Honneur, home to historic artillery collections, and the stunning Saint-Louis des Invalides Cathedral.

  • Skip the lines to the Rodin Museum and dive into the world of French sculpture through masterpieces like The Thinker and The Kiss, alongside over 25,000 works of art, drawings, and photographs.

  • Don’t miss the peaceful sculpture gardens, where Rodin’s bronze works are beautifully displayed among tree-lined paths and rose beds.

More details

  • Visit two iconic cultural and historical landmarks in Paris, Les Invalides and the Rodin Museum.

  • At Les Invalides, explore Napoleon’s tomb, the Army Museum, the Museum of Relief Maps, and the Museum of the Order of Liberation, with interactive exhibits and collections that trace France’s military legacy.

  • You’ll also get access to the Cour d’Honneur, home to historic artillery collections, and the stunning Saint-Louis des Invalides Cathedral.

  • Skip the lines to the Rodin Museum and dive into the world of French sculpture through masterpieces like The Thinker and The Kiss, alongside over 25,000 works of art, drawings, and photographs.

  • Don’t miss the peaceful sculpture gardens, where Rodin’s bronze works are beautifully displayed among tree-lined paths and rose beds.

from Original price€32
€30.40

5% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Standard tickets grant access to the Hôtel des Invalides, which includes: the Dôme des Invalides, housing Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb; the Army Museum, and the Cathedral of Saint-Louis des Invalides.

Skip-the-line tickets can save you 30 minutes to over an hour during busy times. However, all visitors must go through mandatory security checks, so a short wait may still apply.

Sure, while you can explore Les Invalides on your own, a guided tour will bring the history to life with fascinating stories and insights you might miss otherwise. It's a great way to make the most of your visit!

Les Invalides hosts exclusive night tours on the first Friday of each month from 6pm to 10pm, offering a unique experience with smaller crowds. Tickets are in high demand, so it’s recommended to book at least two weeks ahead.

If your plans are uncertain, some tickets offer extended validity, allowing you the flexibility to visit anytime before June 2025.

Unfortunately, Napoleon's Tomb isn't wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the stairs. But don't worry, you can still explore other fascinating parts of the Army Museum, which are accessible.

About Hotel des Invalides

Les Invalides offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. At its heart is Napoleon's Tomb, a grand monument beneath the dazzling Dôme des Invalides, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The Army Museum houses an extensive collection of military artifacts, from medieval armor to modern weapons, showcasing France’s martial history. You can also see the Saint-Louis-des-Invalides Cathedral and the Cour d'Honneur, a historic courtyard.

Great for
Families
History Geeks
Address75007 Paris, France
Also known asLes Invalides
Year opened1678
Founded byLoui Le Vau
Visitors per year100000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The iconic Hôtel des Invalides has been featured in the Netflix series Emily in Paris and the James Bond film A View to a Kill.

During World War II, Hôtel des Invalides covertly sheltered Allied pilots, playing a hidden yet crucial role in the war effort.

Every day at 8am, the French national flag is hoisted and lowered from the top of Les Invalides' dome.

The dome is covered in approximately 12 kilograms (26 pounds) of gold leaf, making it the largest gilded dome in Europe and a shining symbol on the Parisian skyline.

Why visit Hotel des Invalides?

Napoleon’s Tomb

One of the most iconic reasons to visit Les Invalides is to pay homage to Napoleon Bonaparte. His monumental tomb, crafted from red quartzite and surrounded by intricate sculptures, lies beneath the dazzling golden dome. This space exudes grandeur and serves as a powerful symbol of French history, making it a place of reflection and reverence for visitors.

The Dôme des Invalides

The gilded dome is a masterpiece of French Baroque architecture, visible from across Paris. Built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, it is a stunning blend of elegance and craftsmanship. Inside, its beautifully painted ceiling and grand design create a breathtaking experience, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.

The Army Museum

Les Invalides is home to the Army Museum, one of the world’s most extensive military museums. The collections include ancient suits of armor, historic weapons, detailed dioramas, and artifacts from France’s military history, including relics from both World Wars. The museum provides a fascinating journey through the evolution of warfare and France’s role on the global stage.

Rich historical significance

Les Invalides is more than just a historical site—it’s a symbol of France’s military legacy and cultural pride. Originally built in the 17th century by Louis XIV as a home for wounded soldiers, the complex reflects the king’s vision of a compassionate yet powerful France. Every corner of Les Invalides tells a story, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.

Artistic and architecture splendor

Les Invalides is a visual feast. From its intricate sculptures and frescoes to its grand facades and gilded details, the complex showcases the height of 17th-century craftsmanship. It stands as a testament to French artistry and engineering, drawing architecture, and art lovers alike.

Cultural events and exhbitions

Throughout the year, Les Invalides hosts cultural events, including concerts in the chapel, special exhibitions in the museum, and commemorative ceremonies in the courtyard. These events bring the site’s history to life and offer a dynamic way to experience the space.

Plan your visit

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.

Travel guides and tips

Browse by themes

Landmarks in Paris
Museums in Paris
Theme Parks in Paris
Seine River Cruise
Cabaret in Paris
Aquariums in Paris
Guided Tours in Paris
Seine River Dinner Cruise
Immersive Experiences
Hop-on Hop-off Tours Paris
Airport Transfers in Paris
Paris City Cards

What our guests say

Astrinos P

Greece
Family
3 weeks ago
We did this cruise as a family and loved every minute! Amazing views of the Eiffel Tower from the water and really nice atmosphere. Kids enjoyed it a lot too!

Combo: Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets + Seine River Sightseeing Cruise

Ana P

United Kingdom
Family
Aug 2026
Very nice everything 🥳🥳🥳🥰🥰 the walk was very beautiful, the guide spoke very nicely…..I would come again for a walk 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

Combo: Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum Skip-the-Line Tickets + Seine River Sightseeing Cruise

Annemie H

Belgium
Family
3 weeks ago
Good communication. Timing that was given was respected, nice. Spectaculair light and sound show. Very impressive. The children (10 and 15) loved it.

Invalides: Aura Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

Thérèse K

Solo
Jul 2026
A truly beautiful show in an unexpected setting. The lighting effects were perfectly focused on different parts of the monument. Be sure to position yourself strategically around Napoleon’s tomb to fully appreciate the effects. I highly recommend this—it’s something out of the ordinary 😉

Invalides: Aura Immersive Experience Entry Ticket

Paolo A

Couple
Jun 2026

+7 more

It was a very interesting and in-depth tour, thanks to the audio guide included in the ticket price, which allowed me to fully appreciate the masterpieces on display in these two museums

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

Adam B

Canada
Couple
May 2026
It was a wonderful experience and a wonderful tour of the Hôtel des Invalides. We didn't mind that this tourist attraction was very crowded, since we got through it very quickly.

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

Lydia B

United States
Solo
May 2026
the diversity/range of incredible items for our viewing pleasure was staggering and much enjoyed...the time span of oldest to newest is remarksble!

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

Jean-claude M

France
Solo
6 days ago
Yes, it’s a very interesting show—and above all, a very interesting concept. BUT.... I found the music to be “loud and garish” and not very beautiful, and the lighting effects a bit monotonous. Finally, I would have liked to be drawn more deeply into a story that described and recounted the historical facts associated with this monument in greater detail. In the end, I feel like I didn’t learn much.

Combo: Invalides Napoleon's Tomb & Army Museum + Aura Immersive Experience Skip-the-Line Tickets

Nearby cities to explore

See all