VISIT THE HÔTEL NATIONAL DES INVALIDES

An essential symbol of Paris

A majestic monument located in the 7th arrondissement, the Hôtel national des Invalides is one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Paris. Originally built to house wounded soldiers, it now houses prestigious military museums and the tomb of Napoleon I under its famous golden dome.

Why visit?

It is a historical, military and heritage site. The site allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history of the French army, to discover exhibitions full of objects, weapons, uniforms, etc. and to enter the church of the Dome, which impresses with its grandeur and houses Napoleon's tomb.

A brief history and anecdotes

Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670, the Hôtel des Invalides was used to house veterans and disabled soldiers. It housed up to 4,000 residents. The Dome was added later, becoming a symbol of royal and then republican power. Napoleon was transferred there in 1840 from the island of Saint Helena, in an imposing quartzite sarcophagus.

What can you do there?

- Visit the Duomo church and contemplate the tomb of Napoleon I
- Explore the Musée de l'Armée and its permanent collections (from Antiquity to the Second World War)
- Discover the Musée des Plans-Reliefs and the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération
- Stroll through the courtyards and gardens of the complex

Where is it?

📍 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
👉 See on Google Maps

Practical advice

- Allow 2 to 3 hours to visit everything comfortably
- Free admission for under-26s resident in the EU
- The site is accessible to people with reduced mobility

To discover around

- Alexandre III Bridge
- Rodin Museum
- Champ de Mars
- National Assembly

Audioguide

🎧 Listen to our immersive description of the Hôtel national des Invalides on History Guide City Paris!

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