Les Invalides
Hôtel des Invalides
Commissioned by Louis XIV, Les Invalides houses Napoleon's sarcophagus beneath its golden dome, along with the French Military Museum.
Louis XIV ordered Les Invalides built in the 1670s to house disabled veterans, and some of its original functions remain today. The most striking feature is the gilded-dome church. Beneath the dome, in a circular crypt, rests Napoleon's red quartzite sarcophagus, guarded by twelve statues of Victory. The Military Museum holds medieval armor, artillery and exhibits from both World Wars. Admission is about €17 and is covered by the Paris Museum Pass. A night opening is held on the first Friday of each month. Take metro line 8 to La Tour-Maubourg or line 13 to Varenne.
Opening hours
About 10:00–18:00 (Tuesday evenings until 21:00; check website)
Nearby sights
- Musée Rodin
- Eiffel Tower
- Pont Alexandre III
- Seine River Cruise
- Musée de l'Orangerie
- Champs-Élysées
- Montparnasse Tower Observation Deck
- Tuileries Garden & Place de la Concorde