How Long Does It Take To Visit Hotel Des Invalides

Published February 20, 2025

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The Hotel Des Invalides remains an operational retirement home even today, while also being a significant French history element located in the center of Paris.

Probably most famous as Napoleon Bonaparte's burial site, there are many things to discover at this vast complex.

So, how long does it take to visit Hotel De Invalides? Read on to find out!

What is Hotel De Invalides?

It is an impressive collection of structures located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

Initially constructed by Louis XIV as a residence and hospital for injured soldiers, it currently contains various monuments and museums connected to France's military history.

Commissioned in the year 1670 by King Louis XIV, this complex soon became part of the largest inside of Paris.

A chapel and church were quickly constructed, featuring the magnificent royal golden-domed chapel — Paris's tallest church and a significant landmark.

In the following centuries, Hotel De Invalides grew to be the French army's spiritual center.

It is likewise the location of the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée).

Without a doubt, for a country involved in numerous significant European conflicts, there exists an extensive French military relics collection — allegedly exceeding 500,000 items — tracing back to ancient times.

An engaging method to discover the extraordinary martial heritage of the country.

The main attraction for numerous guests is the complex's mausoleum, which is the final resting place of France's military luminaries.

The most renowned is that of Napoleon Bonaparte, laid to rest in a striking sarcophagus below the graceful soaring dome.

Then, in addition to serving as a retirement facility and hospital for veterans, this complex also houses the La Contemporaine and Musée des Plans-Reliefs.

The former records modern French history, while the latter showcases historical models utilized for military strategy.

History of the Hotel De Invalides

The Hotel De Invalides's history dates to 1670 at the time that King Louis XIV ordered the construction of a retirement facility and hospital for military veterans.

He guided France’s rise to become the most dominant country in Europe.

Numerous wars were waged in his honor, leading to the swift growth of the Hotel De Invalides.

The initial hospital was created by Libéral Bruant, an architect, whereas the King and Veterans’ Chapel complex was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

By 1706, Saint-Louis-de-Invalides, the veterans' church, along with the towering Dôme des Invalides (a royal chapel), had been finished.

It subsequently became the French armed forces's national chapel, a position it maintains today.

Hotel De Invalides also had a significant role in the historic French Revolution as rebels attacked the iconic site to seize the weapons kept inside.

The assault on the popular Bastille prison occurred next, partly to retrieve the gun powder that the Hôtel de Invalides commander had previously relocated there.

Despite its troubled beginnings, the Hôtel des Invalides continued to serve as a residence for recuperating and retired military personnel.

However, the majority of inhabitants relocated to different residences in 1905 at the time the Musée de l’Armée (Army Museum) was established there.

This museum was established by combining the Musée d’Artillerie (Artillery Museum) with Museum of Army History.

Also, Musée de Plans-Reliefs is located in Hotel De Invalides, which contains an intricate military models collection retrieved in 1777 from the historic Louvre.

Then, nearly two hundred years later (1973), La Contemporaine museum was established, focusing on the twentieth century French and global history.

So, throughout the years, Les Invalides has transformed from the military hospital into a collection of monuments and museums.

Today, it accommodates approximately 100 past veterans (a reduction from 4000 at its height) in part of the globe's most extraordinary retirement facilities.

The Hôtel de Invalides has indeed been important in the history of France.

Getting to Hôtel Des Invalides

Les Invalides is situated in the heart of Paris, near the iconic Seine River, and it can be easily reached by public transportation.

The nearest metro stations to it are the Invalides (Lines 13 and 8), Varenne (13), and Tour-Maubourg (8).

Numerous bus routes also operate in the region and the buses usually halt at either LaTour Maubourg or Invalides: 6, 8, 28, 82, 63, 93, 92.

Best Time For Visiting Hôtel des Invalides

This complex is accessible throughout the year though it tends to become quite busy in the summer.

The ideal time to go there is late in the afternoon or early in the morning when there are fewer people.

Note that the facility operates between 10 am - 6 pm (April - October), and between (10 am - 5 pm) (November - March).

How Long Does It Take To Visit Hôtel des Invalides?

The Hôtel des Invalides stands as a large complex with multiple attractions.

So, set aside a minimum of two to three hours to appreciate the Dôme de Invalides and explore Musée de l’Armée along with Napoleon I’s tomb.

Also, allocate additional time in case you intend to see the La Contemporaine and Musée de Plans-Reliefs.

Is The Hôtel des Invalides Worth Visiting?

Yes, visiting the Hôtel des Invalides is certainly worth it.

Inquisitive individuals and history buffs will enjoy discovering a top military museum in Europe.

Even if history does not captivate you, Napoleon Bonaparte's grave located beneath the stunning Dôme is an awe-inspiring view.

Taking into account the extensive offerings in this immense complex, particularly the large collection of military displays from ancient times, Les Invalides indeed provides excellent worth for the admission cost.

From the impressive Dome de Invalides and Napoleon Bonaparte's tomb to the Army Museum's vast displays, there is something for every visitor.

Also, its central position makes it an ideal base for discovering other sights in the popular 7th arrondissement.

What to Expect at the Hôtel des Invalides

Royal Chapel

Firstly, you should check out Baroque Royal Chapel.

It was designed to awe: an exquisite painted ceiling, remarkable gold leaf quantities, and a commanding presence in the skyline.

Standing at 107 meters, it continues to be the highest church inside of Paris.

The chapel was initially intended as a final resting spot for Bourbon kings but it ultimately served as the monarch's private chapel.

Then, in 1861, the iconic status of Dôme de Invalides was raised the time it was modified to accommodate Napoleon Bonaparte's large sarcophagus.

Napoleon personally commanded the transformation of the chapel into the burial site for the military legends of France.

The initial person interred here was Henri La Tour Auvergne, a past France Marshal General.

Since that time, relatives of Napoleon and approximately 82 other notable military figures have been buried there, among them the Supreme Allied Commander during World War I, Ferdinand Foch.

Baroque Architecture

Les Invalides is an impressive illustration of the Baroque architecture of France.

It features a sequence of 15 courtyards, with the most extensive being le Cour d’Honneur.

These structures are distinguished by their classic straightforwardness, featuring red stone and brick exteriors’ consistent design, dormer windows, and slate roofing.

Napoleon Bonaparte Tomb

Beneath the Dome rests Napoleon Bonaparte's burial place, a prominent character in the history of France.

In 1840, Napoleon's remains were brought back to France and placed inside an impressive sarcophagus located inside the crypt beneath the dome.

Cour d’Honneur

This serves as Hôtel des Invalides's primary courtyard.

It is encompassed by double-story structures that were originally utilized as accommodations for soldiers.

Currently, this place is utilized for official ceremonies and military parades.

The Army Museum

This museum ranks among the biggest military museums globally.

It contains an extensive array of military items, including weapons, armor, artwork, and uniforms.

The museum's exhibits range from ancient times to the twentieth century, offering a thorough insight into France's military past.

Dome Des Invalides

This is the Hôtel de Invalides's most recognizable structure.

Reaching 107 meters in height, the dome ranks among the tallest structures in Paris.

Initially conceived as the royal chapel, it was created by Hardouin-Mansart, a prominent 17th-century French architect.

Then, the Dome des Invalides was subsequently converted to serve as Napoleon Bonaparte's burial site.

Other Prominent Tombs

Besides Napoleon, Les Invalides stands as the burial site of various other significant individuals in the military history of France.

This list includes Marshal Foch, Napoleon's siblings Jérôme and Joseph Bonaparte, along with various ministers and governors of war.

Cafe

Le carré de Invalides, a contemporary café-restaurant, can be found at the Hôtel des Invalides's South entrance.

Their menu includes sandwiches, salads, crepes, and pastries, and there are likewise many other bars and restaurants close by.

For instance, rue Bourgogne (to the east) and Avenue de Motte-Picquet (to the west) are close enough to walk and offer a diverse range of bars and restaurants.

How to Get Tickets for the Hôtel des Invalides

Tickets may be bought in person at their ticket counter or via the official Army Museum website online.

Purchasing tickets online beforehand will help you skip extended queues, particularly during the busy tourist season.

Note that though entry to Les Invalides's courtyard is free, there is a charge for the monuments and museums located within the premises.

This encompasses the Musée de l’Armée, Napoleon's Tomb, along with other museums.

Discounts are offered for students, groups, and seniors, while children under 18 can enter for free.

Two ticket offices are present on-site, situated at the North and South entrances.

I suggest purchasing skip-the-line tickets ahead of time to avoid frustrating waiting periods and also note that tickets provide entry to all unrestricted zones and any special exhibitions.

Places to Visit Near Hôtel des Invalides

Musée d’Orsay

This museum, featuring a vast array of Post-Impressionist and Impressionist masterworks, is another remarkable destination located close to Les Invalides.

It showcases artworks by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir, and occupies a past railway station.

7th Arrondissement

This place provides numerous choices for dining and shopping. You can discover everything from luxury fashion stores to delightful vintage shops.

For meals, there are many bistros, cafes, and eateries there presenting a variety of cuisines.

Les Invalides can be found in this 7th arrondissement, which is among the most esteemed neighborhoods in Paris.

The region hosts a number of other significant sites, such as the Eiffel Tower, Rodin Museum, and Musée d’Orsay.

Enjoy a walk by the historic Seine River, explore the vibrant Rue Cler street, or unwind in the park of Champ de Mars.

Eiffel Tower

This tower, a globally recognized symbol, is positioned a brief distance away from Les Invalides.

One can enjoy a relaxed stroll by the popular Seine River in order to get to the Eiffel Tower or opt for a brief journey on a train.

Seine River

This river, which runs through the Paris center, is a key element of the allure of the city.

Strolling by the Seine provides stunning sights of several of Paris's iconic landmarks, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and Hôtel de Invalides.

River cruises really offer another viewpoint of Paris city.

Rodin Museum

A brief stroll from Les Invalides leads to the historic Rodin Museum, which honors the artwork of Auguste Rodin, a French sculptor.

In this museum, you can observe several of Rodin’s renowned sculptures such as “The Thinker”, placed in an exquisite garden setting.

Champs-Élysées

This place, frequently referred to as the most stunning avenue globally, is another close point of interest.

The renowned avenue features a row of shops, theaters, and cafes.

It is an excellent spot for a relaxing walk or shopping adventure.

The Louvre

This museum, among the most visited and largest museums globally, is situated near the Hôtel de Invalides.

It contains a vast array of historical and art items, such as the Mona Lisa.

The museum can be conveniently reached by subway or a brief stroll by the iconic Seine River.

Alexandre III Bridge

This bridge, regarded as one of Paris's most stunning bridges, is situated close to Les Invalides.

Embellished with intricate Art Nouveau sculptures and lamps, it provides breathtaking vistas of nearby landmarks and the Seine River.

Tips For Visiting Hôtel des Invalides

• Make sure to put on comfy shoes since there is plenty to explore and experience.
• Although Les Invalides remains accessible all year, it tends to become very busy in the height of the tourist season.
• Make sure to verify the monuments' and museums's operating hours as these can differ.
• It's advisable to go late afternoon or early morning to steer clear of the crowds.