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Hôtel des Invalides: Key Insights for Your Visit

The Hôtel des Invalides, often called Les Invalides is a window into France’s military past. Originally constructed as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans, this complex now serves as a hub of museums and monuments dedicated to the nati...

Also Known As

Invalides

Founded On

1905

ParisParis Army Museum TicketsAbout

Quick information

ADDRESS

129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

11am–6pm

VISITORS PER YEAR

1500000

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

2

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The iconic Hôtel des Invalides has been featured in the Netflix series Emily in Paris and the James Bond film A View to a Kill.

During World War II, Hôtel des Invalides covertly sheltered Allied pilots, playing a hidden yet crucial role in the war effort.

Every day at 8am, the French national flag is hoisted and lowered from the top of Les Invalides' dome.

Museums inside the Les Invalides complex

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The Army Museum 

The Army Museum stands as France's largest military history museum, housing more than 500,000 rare weapons, relics, and more. This collection shows the evolution of military equipment from the 13th to the 17th century and contains some noteworthy archeological finds, including the personal belongings of Napoleon Bonaparte.

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Dôme des Invalides

With its gilded lantern stretching up to 107 meters, the originally built church can be seen from almost all over Paris. It inspired the Capitol Building in the United States. Napoleon had ordered the conversion of the royal chapel into a resting place for France’s military heroes. The Dôme des Invalides is also home to Napoleon I's tomb.

Museum of Relief Maps

Discover a unique collection of historical scale models charting over two centuries of military history. The Museum showcases 28 examples of a collection of relief maps of fortified towns, made between 1668 and 1875. These impressive models were used as strategic planning tools and symbols of mastery of the territory.

Museum of the Order of Liberation

The Museum of the Order of the Liberation tells the story of the Companions of the Liberation, including Free France, the Interior Resistance, and the deportation. 

St. Louis Cathedral 

St. Louis Cathedral houses the graves of the governors of the Invalides, and also many Marshals of France and commanding officers' graves. Mass is still often celebrated, especially on the anniversary of Napoleon's death and on the anniversary of the Invalides Mansion foundation.

Main Courtyard

A significant portion of the artillery and monumental sculpture collections are on display in the main courtyard, which serves as the hub of the Hôtel National des Invalides complex and hosts several events. 

Armor and Weapons | 13th to 17th Century 

This collection shows the evolution of military equipment from the 13th to the 17th century and contains some noteworthy archeological finds. It illustrates the role that armor and weaponry had throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, in the lives of aristocratic communities, royal courts, and even individual cities

Louis XIV –Napoleon |17th – 19th Century

The diversity and quantity of the collections housed in this department are unmatched in the world. Items belonging to notable personalities like Napoleon Bonaparte and his marshals coexist with simple soldier uniforms and luxury pieces, equipment from numerous French and foreign regiments, weapons, harnesses, and more.

World War | 20th Century

This department is devoted to the two World Wars and tells the story of the French Army from 1871 to 1945 and that of the two great conflicts of the 20th century. Admire the French and foreign uniforms, personal objects of soldiers, ceremonial swords, postcards, paintings, and other items from the archives that depict life during the 20th century's greatest conflicts.

Extraordinary Cabinets

Explore three unique cabinets displaying a collection of artillery models from the 16th to the 19th centuries, musical instruments belonging to the military, and a fascinating collection of military figurines including 5,000 toy soldiers exhibited out of a collection of 140,000 of them. 

The Charles De Gaulle Monument

Immerse yourself in an interactive space honoring the work and journey of Charles de Gaulle, the founding President of the Fifth Republic. The space pays homage to a key figure in French history, featuring a multi-screen room, multimedia exhibits, and a circular glass ring displaying archived footage, photographs, and narratives of wars.

Timeline of Hôtel des Invalides

  • 1670: King Louis XIV of France, also known as the Sun King, recognizes the need to care for his wounded soldiers after long years of warfare. 
  • 1671: Louis XIV commissions architect Libéral Bruand to design the Hôtel des Invalides. 
  • 1676: Construction begins, with Jules Hardouin-Mansart (a prominent architect) taking over the design in 1679. Mansart is responsible for much of the grand architecture seen today, including the large dome.
  • 1688: The building is completed, and the institution opens. It initially served as a residence and hospital for 1,000 disabled soldiers, offering both medical care and shelter.
  • 1715: After the death of Louis XIV, his successor, Louis XV, continues to maintain the Hôtel des Invalides as a home for war veterans and a symbol of the king’s generosity to soldiers.
  • 18th century: During the 18th century, the institution expands its services and becomes a key feature of the French military system.
  • 1804: After Napoleon Bonaparte becomes Emperor, the Hôtel des Invalides becomes closely associated with the military, and Napoleon orders the construction of a grand chapel to serve as a monument to the French army.
  • 1810-1813: Napoleon orders the completion of the Dôme des Invalides, the large domed church at the center of the complex, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart. 
  • 1815: Following Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, he is exiled to the island of Saint Helena, where he dies. However, after his death, his remains are returned to France.
  • 1840: Napoleon’s remains are entombed at the Dôme des Invalides, where they remain today in a grand sarcophagus, making the site a place of national reverence and a symbol of military glory.
  • 19th Century: Over the years, the Hôtel des Invalides continues to serve as a hospital and a home for veterans, but by the late 19th century, the complex is repurposed for military purposes. 
  • 1905: The site became the home of the Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum), which houses a vast collection of French military history, including weapons, uniforms, and artifacts from various wars.
  • WWI & WWII: During both World Wars, the Hôtel des Invalides served various military functions, including the care of wounded soldiers, and it remains a center for military operations. 
  • 1980s-1990s: The Hôtel des Invalides undergoes several renovations to preserve its historical integrity and improve its function as a museum and a national monument. 
  • 2000s: The Musée de l'Armée continues to grow in prominence, becoming one of the most visited military museums in the world.
  • Present day: Today, the Hôtel des Invalides remains one of the most important landmarks in Paris, both as a historical site and a museum. 

Hôtel des Invalides architecture

Hôtel des Invalides' building is a magnificent illustration of classical French architecture. It was created by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the principal architect of Louis XIV, and its highlight is the magnificent gold dome that is visible from all across Paris. The main structure consists of multiple wings and courtyards, but the most remarkable aspect is the dome, an incredible achievement of engineering and architecture. The complex has many noteworthy spaces, such as the Army Museum, which has a sizable collection of armor and weapons, and the tombs of various notable Frenchmen, including Napoleon Bonaparte. The most Instagrammable spot is undoubtedly the courtyard with the golden dome in the background, but the view from the top of the dome is also breathtaking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hôtel des Invalides

Can I access all parts of the Hôtel des Invalides complex with one ticket?

Yes, with the Army Museum ticket, you can access all parts of the Hôtel des Invalides complex.

Why is Hôtel des Invalides historically significant?

The Hôtel des Invalides holds immense historical significance for several key reasons, spanning its roles in military history, its connection to notable figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, and its evolution from a hospital for veterans to a major museum.

What is the golden dome of Hôtel des Invalides made of?

The golden dome of the Hôtel des Invalides is made of copper, which is coated with gold leaf to give it its distinctive, shimmering appearance.

What is inside Napoleon’s Tomb?

Inside Napoleon’s Tomb is a large sarcophagus made of red quartzite, which holds the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte. Several commemorative plaques and statues surround the tomb, and the tomb itself is located beneath the Dôme des Invalides.

Why is it called "Hôtel des Invalides?”

The name "Hôtel des Invalides" comes from the French word "invalides," meaning "disabled" or "wounded veterans." The term "Hôtel" in this context refers to a large residence or establishment

Are there skip-the-line tickets available?

Yes, these tickets are available and come in handy during the peak tourist seasons, as they allow you to bypass long queues and save time.

Are guided tours available at Les Invalides?

Yes, guided tours are available for Les Invalides. You will get to know interesting facts about the museum through the local English-speaking guide on the tour.

What is the best time to visit Hôtel des Invalides?

The best time to visit Hôtel des Invalides is during weekdays to avoid crowds, preferably in the morning when it opens or late afternoon just before closing time.

Is there a dress code to visit Hôtel des Invalides?

No, there is no dress code for visiting Les Invalides. 

Is photography allowed inside Hôtel des Invalides?

Yes, photography is allowed in most sections of the Hôtel des Invalides. However, restrictions may apply in specific exhibit areas. Please ensure you do not use flash or carry any camera equipment, like tripods, inside the premises.

What are the other attractions close to Hôtel des Invalides?

You could visit the Rodin Museum, dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, the majestic Eiffel Tower, or the Orsay Museum, home to the collection of Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist artworks.