The Invalides and Napoleon’s Tomb
1 to 8
2.5 hours
from 109.90€
Flexible cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change, which is why we are happy to offer a full refund with no questions asked, up to 24 hours before your tour departure time.
Within 24 hours we’ve already started preparing for your tour and can’t easily fill your slot, so we won’t be able to provide a refund after that point.
See Napoleon Bonaparte’s final resting place under the magnificent dome of the Invalides, and learn of our shared history in the compelling army museum.
Covered with 26lbs of real gold, the Invalides is home to the fascinating museum of the army, tracing the long history of the French armies and their allies. It also houses the awe-inspiring tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. Learn about his incredible rise to power, glorious military victories and eventual downfall and exile. From medieval armours to World War II machine guns, follow the path of history through jousts and conquests, invasions and resistance, defeat and glory.
Private
Benefit from a private guide, just for you and your family or friends
Tailor your visit to suit your own specific needs and wishes
Explore at your own pace
350€
Price for 2 guests
Semi Private
109.90€
Price for 1 adult
Private
Benefit from a private guide, just for you and your family or friends
Tailor your visit to suit your own specific needs and wishes
Explore at your own pace
350€
Price for 2 guests
Semi Private
Immerse yourselves in an interactive exploration with a passionate, licensed guide
Extra-small group size allows for a flexible and fluid visit
Treat yourself to premium visiting conditions
109.90€
Price for 1 adult
Highlights
- Enjoy a 2.5 hour guided tour of the spectacular gold domed Invalides, home to the military museum.
- See the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte.
- Benefit from a fully accredited expert local guide.
- Enjoy easy access with reserved access and all entrance fees.
Tour Description
Commissioned by King Louis XIV and designed in the 17th century by Jules Hardouin Mansart (the same architect who designed the incredible Hall of Mirrors in Versailles!) the Invalides was originally built as a hospital and home for wounded and retired soldiers returning from the King’s wars. Knowing that he owed his glories to his troops, the king ordered a most magnificent building for them. Nowadays veterans still live there, and the gold domed Cathedral of St Louis is the seat of the Bishop of the Armies.
Follow your expert guide on a journey through history. See magnificent medieval and Renaissance armors, learn how the French and their allies resisted the invading German armies during WWII and how and why Uncle Sam got involved. Discover how the Resistance was organised, how the D Day landings were coordinated and carried out and how they were perceived in Paris – including the story of the British fighter pilots who lived hidden in the dome during the Occupation. Explore the lives of two of the most famous and influential figures of French military history, Charles de Gaulle and Napoleon Bonaparte.
Then visit the breathtaking tomb of the most famous general in European history. After crowning himself Emperor in 1804, Napoleon went on to conquer huge swathes of Europe, until his final defeat at Waterloo. Exiled until his death in 1821, his body was returned to France and placed here in the enormous sarcophagus built specially for him. His son is also buried next to him, his body brought to Paris by Hitler in 1940.
Join us on this compelling visit to the Invalides, through war, defeat, resistance and glory.
What’s included
- Guided visits of The Invalides Museum and Cathedral includng Napoleon’s Tomb
- Entrance tickets and reservations
- Expert, fully accredited English-speaking tour guide
FAQ
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is at the metro exit for Invalides station, which is in the middle of the large grass esplanande in front of the museum. You’ll see the yellow M sign right by it. Please note that Google Maps does not always show the metro exit as being in the right place, so if you arrive by taxi ask the driver to take you to the exit on rue de l’Université. Please do not go to the entrance of the Invalides!
Is Napoleon’s tomb included?
Yes, you will visit the army museum and also the cathedral, which is where the tomb of Napoleon is located.
Can we take a stroller into the museum?
Strollers are not allowed inside the museum.