Sure to be a highlight of your weekend in Paris, this behind-the-scenes tour of Hôtel des Invalides gives you privileged access to areas normally closed to the public. Commonly known as Les Invalides, the iconic Paris landmark is home to the Army Museum, Napoleon’s Tomb and the eye-catching Dome Church — all of which are visited on this 1.5-hour tour. Walk around the sites with a guide, who reveals little-known facts, anecdotes and legends about Les Invalides’ rich history and architecture.
Numbers are limited to 25 people on this small-group tour, ensuring a personalized experience.
Meet at Les Invalides in Paris in the morning or afternoon, depending the option you select. Begin your 1.5-hour tour with a presentation on the interesting history and unusual architecture of the attraction.
Founded by King Louis XIV in 1670, Les Invalides originally served as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Learn more about the original uses of the large complex as you roam around museums, monuments, tombs and the hospital. Along the way, your guide provides insight into the daily routine of the site's 17th-century residents.
Make your way to the major museum of Les Invalides, the Army Museum (Musée de l'Armée), established in 1905 as the military museum of the Army of France. Examine ancient armor, swords and other artifacts on display, and then head into the Grand Salon and the Ornano Salons (Salons du Quesnoy). These splendid reception halls of the Army Museum house impressive art collections belonging to the Ornano family.
You'll then visit another area of Les Invalides which is normally closed to the public: the Caveau des Gouverneurs. Here, your guide will tell stories about the role of Les Invalides in the French Revolution, and reveal the mysteries behind the ghostly presence of Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, a French army officer who served during the Revolution.
Continue to the monumental Dome Church (Église du Dôme), the most striking feature of Les Invalides. The structure was commissioned by Louis XIV as a separate private royal chapel. Inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome — the original for many Baroque domes — this iconic dome is one of the triumphs of French Baroque architecture. In fact, it served as inspiration for the present dome of the United States Capitol building!
Today the church is a military pantheon, housing the final resting places of many French war heroes including Turenne, Vauban, Foch, Lyautey and Napoleon I under its magnificent golden cupola. You'll finish your behind-the-scenes tour of Les Invalides with a visit to Napoleon I's tomb, perhaps the most notable of all the tombs. Hear stories about Napoleon's significant role as a military leader in the French Revolution, his controversial time as the emperor of France, and his untimely demise.
Please note: Due to renovation works, the Caveau des Gouverneurs is temporarily closed to visitors.
