At the centre of the 7th arrondissement on the Left Bank, the grand complex of Hôtel des Invalides is easily recognisable with its magnificent gilded dome. Inside the church lies the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The Hôtel des Invalides is one of Paris’ most famous monuments. The complex was built by Louis XIV in the 17th century to house the wounded and disabled soldiers of his army.
The French emperor Napoleon I was buried beneath the Dôme church in 1840.
The Hôtel des Invalides also hosts three museums: the Army museum, the Order of Liberation museum, and the Relief Map museum.
The Cour d’Honneur of Les Invalides (main courtyard) is still used for military parades. A statue of Napoleon known as the Little Corporal by Seurre used to stand at the top of the Vendôme column on Place Vendôme.
Hôtel des Invalides: Practical Info
- Les Invalides has two entrances: Esplanade des Invalides, 129 rue de Grenelle AND Place Vauban. Visitors with motor disabilities are invited to enter on the Place Vauban side. Check out Google Maps for the exact location of the statue of Napoleon at Les Invalides.
- Open every day from 7.30 am to 7 pm (last admission and exit at 6.45 pm). From April to September, the domain is open until 9 pm (last admission and exit at 8.45 pm) on Tuesdays.
- Closest métro station: Invalides (lines 8 and 13, RER C), La Tour Maubourg (line 8), Varenne (line 13).
- Other sites to discover at Les Invalides: the Army museum, the Liberation Order museum, and the Relief Map museum. The tomb of Napoleon I is situated inside the Dome Church.
- Check out the official website for more info on your visit to Les Invalides + museums.
