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 in Paris offers a wealth of activities for tourists, including guided tours that delve into its rich history and impressive architecture. Art enthusiasts can explore the stunning exhibits within the museums, while the picturesque surroundings provide perfect spots to enjoy breathtaking sunsets. This iconic site truly blends culture, history, and natural beauty for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

For shopping in Les Invalides, visit Le Bon Marché, only 435m away for a unique retail experience. Marche rue de Buci, 621m away, offers vibrant market vibes. If you're up for a drive, Galeries Lafayette, 1.2km away, features a wide range of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Roland Garros Stadium, a mere 1.9km from Les Invalides, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for tennis enthusiasts. Experience the charm of La Machine du Moulin Rouge, 1.2km away, where romance and culture intertwine in captivating performances. Meanwhile, Paris Olympia, 621m distant, promises unforgettable music concerts.

Adventure

Aquaboulevard, a thrilling waterpark 1.2km from Les Invalides, offers exhilarating slides and wave pools for family fun. Experience the Montmartre Funicular, also 1.2km away, providing stunning views as you ascend. For a scenic adventure, hike the Mare a Mare Nord trail, located 621m from Les Invalides.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Les Invalides with a visit to the Lido or Odeon Theatre, both offering captivating performances just 1.6km away. For a slightly longer stroll, Theatre Mogador awaits with delightful shows, perfect for family, romance, and culture enthusiasts alike.

Find the best attractions near Les Invalides

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or travelling with family, Les Invalides in Paris offers a wealth of attractions. Explore the stunning Dôme des Invalides and relax at the Esplanade des Invalides. With charming streets, art museums, and picturesque squares, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this historic area. Your visit to Les Invalides promises a delightful blend of culture and city life.

  • Eiffel Tower: This iconic landmark, situated 497m from Les Invalides, offers breathtaking views of Paris. Marvel at its intricate iron lattice design and immerse yourself in the cultural significance it holds for the city.
  • Louvre Museum: Located 621m away, the Louvre is a treasure trove of art and history. Home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, its vast collections reflect the rich cultural heritage of France, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
  • Champs-Élysées: Just 559m from Les Invalides, this famous avenue buzzes with city life. Stroll along the tree-lined street, lined with shops and cafés, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Paris.

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.8°F (11.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
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

To save money on your visit to Les Invalides, consider travelling in January, February, or August when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or check last-minute deals on Expedia for discounts. Saturdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Thursdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget options and eco-friendly hotels. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings. Lastly, explore the area on foot or utilise the cost-effective public transport system for easy access to attractions.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Les Invalides are January to February and August, 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Les Invalides is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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 specify your budget, chosen location, and various other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Les Invalides with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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