Les Invalides

Les Invalides
Les Invalides
Les Invalides
Les Invalides
Les Invalides


Gain insight into French military history at this Baroque complex, which contains several museums and military monuments, including the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Les Invalides is a historic military complex that includes several museums, monuments and churches. Brush up on French military history at its trio of museums, stroll along the grand lawns of the Esplanade des Invalides and see the ostentatious tomb of the famous French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte.

The structure was originally built as an army hospital between 1670 and 1676 under orders from Louis XIV. During the French Revolution, the complex was stormed by rioters who seized weaponry on their way to the Bastille. Today, parts of the complex are still reserved for French war veterans, with a hospital and military retirement residence on-site.

Before entering Les Invalides, stroll along the lawns of Esplanade des Invalides, which stretch for 1,640 feet (500 metres) in front of the main entrance. This space is a popular picnic and sunbathing spot.

Inside the complex, explore three separate museums: the Musée de l’Armée (the Army Museum), the Musée des Plans-Reliefs (the Museum of Military Models) and the Musée d’Histoire Contemporain (the Museum of Contemporary History). Devote most time to the Musée de l’Armée, the largest and most comprehensive of the three. Examine military armour and artefacts from ancient to modern times, including Napoleon’s lavish pistols and Joseph Parrocel’s Battle of Cassel painting.

Save time to see the Église du Dôme church, located at the back of the complex. Gaze up at its dazzling gold cupola, which was a source of inspiration for the United States Capitol building. Investigate Napoleon Bonaparte’s extravagant tomb, which is located in the church. The emperor’s remains are entombed in six Russian doll-style coffins located inside a red quartzite sarcophagus that sits on a green granite base.

Les Invalides is located in the 7th arrondissement. Reach it with a short walk from the La Tour Maubourg, Invalides, Varenne or Saint-Françoise-Xavier metro stations. Les Invalides is open daily, although the Musée de l’Armée is closed on the first Monday of every month between October and June.

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Reviews of Les Invalides

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
99
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
128
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
26
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Nick

We used the Paris Pass for our museum and site visits. It was excellent value as we worked out all the places we wanted to visit. Also the metro passes were really easy and made getting around that much easier. The Opera Garner was the star attraction and highly recommended. Also he pass helps to avoid the lines which were long at many of the attractions. Also, download the app as it tells you the entrances to use and other useful information.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We stayed in this area, very safe quiet area.

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Things to do near Les Invalides

Les Invalides, steeped in history, offers a variety of cultural visits, including tours of its remarkable museums and art collections. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets over the iconic architecture, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. With its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere, Les Invalides is an ideal destination for those seeking an enriching experience in the heart of Paris.

Shopping

Le Bon Marché is a charming store located 1.1km from Les Invalides, offering a delightful selection of gifts. For a wider variety, head to Galeries Lafayette, just 3.2km away, where you can enjoy a vibrant shopping atmosphere. Marche Saint-Germain, 1.6km away, features local market delights.

Recreation

Explore Parc des Princes for an energetic day filled with sports excitement, just a short distance from Les Invalides. Experience the vibrant atmosphere at La Machine du Moulin Rouge, offering captivating dance performances infused with culture and romance. Enjoy the lively entertainment at Paris Olympia, a must-visit for music lovers.

Adventure

Experience thrilling fun at Aquaboulevard, a vibrant waterpark located 3.2km from Les Invalides, offering a variety of slides and pools for family enjoyment. For a scenic adventure, hike the Sentier du Douanier, situated 1.6km away, where stunning views await amidst nature's beauty.

Nightlife

Theatre Mogador offers a cultural evening with captivating performances, just 3.2km from Les Invalides. For a vibrant nightlife experience, visit Palais de Tokyo, a trendy nightclub 1.4km away. For family-friendly fun, enjoy the thrills at Au P’tit Saint-Lambert, located 1.6km from your base.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Les Invalides

Les Invalides offers a delightful array of attractions, including charming streets, art museums, and picturesque squares, perfect for cultural enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of this iconic area while exploring its many points of interest that cater to diverse interests and experiences.

  • Eiffel Tower: Standing proudly at 1.3km from Les Invalides, the Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark that embodies the spirit of Paris. Marvel at its iron lattice structure and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks, all while soaking in the rich cultural atmosphere surrounding this monumental site.
  • Louvre Museum: Located 1.6km from Les Invalides, the Louvre Museum is a treasure trove of art and history. Home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, this world-renowned museum offers a unique cultural experience amidst its vast galleries and stunning architecture.
  • Champs-Élysées: Just 1.4km away, the Champs-Élysées is a vibrant avenue buzzing with city vibes. Stroll along this famous street lined with shops, cafés, and theatres, making it a perfect spot for people-watching and immersing yourself in Parisian life.

Best time to go to Les Invalides

The best time to visit Les Invalides can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Les Invalides falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Les Invalides falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.0°F (5.0°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July68.2°F (20.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Les Invalides

For a budget-friendly visit to Les Invalides, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to March, and aim to book your accommodation about a month in advance. Saturdays typically offer the lowest rates, while Thursdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to find affordable hotels by sorting prices and filtering for eco-friendly options. Look out for last-minute deals and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Additionally, explore free sights and utilise Paris's efficient public transport to keep costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Les Invalides are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Les Invalides about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Les Invalides is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Les Invalides is Thursday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget and choose your desired location, among other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking at Les Invalides with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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