Napoleon's Tomb and the Musee de l'Armee

Verified entry tickets to Les Invalides, home to Napoleon's tomb, centuries of military history, and one of the most breathtaking interiors in the city

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Les Invalides Is One of the Most Overwhelming Buildings You Will Ever Walk Into

A Golden Dome, a Emperor's Tomb, and Centuries of History Waiting Inside

Give It at Least Two Hours. You Will Want More

Louis XIV built Les Invalides in 1670 as a home for the soldiers who had fought his wars. Today it houses one of the largest and most remarkable military collections in the world, spread across a complex of courtyards, galleries, and churches that takes time to absorb properly. The moment you step through the entrance, sixty bronze cannons line the main courtyard and the golden dome rises above everything, announcing that what lies inside is not a typical museum visit.

The collections move through centuries without losing their grip. Medieval armor worn by French kings, the weapons and uniforms of Napoleon's Grande Armee, immersive galleries dedicated to the two World Wars, and an entire multimedia space devoted to Charles de Gaulle. Every room shifts the perspective slightly. The building carries the kind of atmosphere that makes you slow down without realizing it.

Beneath the dome, in an open crypt surrounded by twelve monumental statues and a mosaic floor mapping the battles of the Empire, Napoleon's tomb commands the space in a way that photographs never quite capture. His grey coat, his bicorn hat, and his sword from Austerlitz are displayed nearby, close enough to make the distance between then and now feel surprisingly small. It is the kind of place you think about long after you have left Paris.

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Opening Hours

The Musée de l'Armée is open every day of the week from 10:00 to 18:00. Note that the galleries begin to close 5 minutes before the official closing time, so make sure you are already inside the room you want to see before the clock runs down.

Extended Evening on Tuesdays

On Tuesdays during temporary exhibitions, the museum stays open until 21:00, a quieter alternative to daytime visits. Check in advance whether an exhibition is running during your trip.

Closed Dates

The Musée de l'Armée closes only three days a year: January 1, May 1, and December 25. For virtually every other day on the calendar, including all other public holidays, the museum remains open and accessible to visitors.

Temporary Closures

Some areas may close without notice for state ceremonies or security requirements. If your visit falls on a national date or major event, confirm access in advance.

What Your Ticket Includes

One ticket gives you full access to the permanent collections and any temporary exhibitions running during your visit. You also get into the Cathedral of Saint-Louis des Invalides and the Museum of the Order of the Liberation, dedicated to the history of Free France and the Companions of the Liberation. An interactive audioguide is included as well, subject to availability on the day.

What Is Not Included

The general ticket does not cover guided or private tours, which require a separate booking. Concerts, conferences, and commemorative events held at the complex have their own ticketing. Educational and family workshops organized by the museum are also separate. Books, guides, collectibles, and postcards from the museum shop are purchased on site at your own expense.

How Long Does a Visit Take

The Musée de l'Armée is one of the largest military museums in the world, and most visitors spend between two and three hours inside. If you want to explore the collections in depth and also visit the Dome of the Invalids and the Cathedral, set aside a full half-day to do it comfortably without feeling rushed.

Napoleon's Tomb and the Dome of the Invalids

Entry to the Dome of the Invalids is included in your general ticket. This Baroque building is one of the most striking landmarks in all of Paris and houses the monumental tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as the tombs of Vauban, Marshal Foch, and Lyautey. It is a highlight that alone justifies the visit.

A Glimpse Inside

From the dome to the crypt, every corner tells a story

These photos give you a sense of what awaits. From the gilded dome to the medieval armor halls and Napoleon's legendary regalia, every corner of the Musée de l'Armée has something worth stopping for.

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Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit

The museum is at 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris. It sits on the south bank of the Seine, less than 10 minutes on foot from the Pont Alexandre III and the Rodin Museum, and about 20 to 25 minutes walking from the Eiffel Tower or the Champs-Élysées.
By metro, the closest stops are Invalides or La Tour-Maubourg on Line 8, and Saint-François-Xavier or Varenne on Line 13. Several bus lines also serve the area, including lines 28, 69, 82, 87, and 92, with stops a short walk from the entrance. If you use Vélib', the nearest bike-sharing stations are at 3 Rue de Constantine, 9 Boulevard des Invalides, and 1 Avenue de la Motte-Piquet.
Yes. There is underground parking directly beneath the Esplanade des Invalides, just a few meters from the main entrance. It is a convenient option if you are arriving by car.
Yes. Same-day tickets are often available online, and you can receive a mobile ticket with real-time availability confirmation. Booking online in advance is still recommended, especially during busy periods, to avoid waiting at the ticket office.
Yes, completely. Your standard admission ticket gives you full access to the Dome of the Invalids, where Napoleon's monumental tomb is housed. No separate ticket or upgrade is needed. The tomb, the permanent collections, and any temporary exhibitions running during your visit are all covered by the same price. Some special temporary exhibitions may occasionally require an additional ticket, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
The Musée de l'Armée is one of the largest history museums in Paris, so the honest answer depends on how deeply you want to explore it. If you want to see the main highlights, including Napoleon's tomb, the medieval armor collection, and the World Wars galleries, allow at least two to three hours. If you want to move through the entire museum without rushing, dedicated history enthusiasts should set aside four to six hours or a full half-day. A practical approach is to decide in advance which era interests you most and start there.
First-time visitors consistently point to four things: Napoleon's tomb beneath the golden dome, which is genuinely one of the most impressive monuments in Paris; the ancient arms and armor collection, considered one of the finest royal collections in the world; Napoleon's personal belongings, including his iconic bicorne hat and coat; and the extensive World War galleries covering both WWI and WWII in considerable depth.
Yes. The combination of armor, swords, military artifacts, and multimedia displays tends to engage younger visitors well. The layout is spacious and easy to navigate as a family, and there is enough variety across the different wings to keep children moving and interested throughout the visit.
Yes. The museum has elevators, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair loans available at the entrance upon presentation of an identity document. If you have specific accessibility requirements beyond standard wheelchair access, it is worth contacting the museum directly before your visit to confirm arrangements.
All visitors go through a security check at the entrance, and large bags or bulky luggage are not permitted inside. Photography without flash is allowed throughout the museum for personal use, except in rooms or exhibitions that indicate otherwise. In the Dome of the Invalids and around Napoleon's tomb, visitors are asked to keep noise to a minimum and to silence their phones, as these are spaces of commemoration and reflection. A respectful appearance is expected in all ceremonial areas. Animals are not allowed inside the museum, with the exception of guide and assistance dogs that are properly identified.