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Your Go-To Guide to Visiting Les Invalides

Once a hospital in the 17th century, today, Les Invalides is an architectural complex that features a myriad of Parisian landmarks. Apart from its characteristic golden dome, you can find the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte amidst other French officials’ crypts, a church, a hospital, and several museums including Musée de l'Armée.

Read on to know everything you’d need to plan your visit to Les Invalides.

Les Invalides At A Glance

What are Les Invalides's opening hours?
Most attractions inside Les Invalides are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Where is Les Invalides located?
Les Invalides is located in central Paris in the 7th arrondissement of Paris on the left bank of the Seine River. Find on Map.
How many visitors does Les Invalides see per year?
Around 1.2 million visitors flock to the Les Invalides each year.

What Are the Les Invalides Opening Hours?

General Timings

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM; Daily

Last entry: 5:30 PM

Closed on: Les Invalides is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25

Find Out the Best Time to Visit

What is the Best Time to Visit Les Invalides?

The best time of the year to visit Les Invalides is during the summer months of June and October as you can enjoy an array of festivals. However, this is also Paris’ peak season and you can expect higher footfall. Alternatively, you can visit during the low season too, which typically runs from December to February in Paris. The footfall is comparatively less despite the extreme weather. We recommend visiting Les Invalides at a time near opening or closing hours as the complex is more likely to have lesser foot traffic.

Where is Les Invalides Located?

Address: 75007 Paris, France

Find on Map

Les Invalides is in central Paris within walking distance from several landmarks including Eiffel Tower, Musee D’Orsay and Musee Rodin.

Closest Landmark: Musée Rodin (750m)

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Getting to the Les Invalides in Paris

By Public Transportation

By Bus: Nearest Stop: Vauban Hôtel des Invalides

Les Invalides is conveniently accessible by bus because of its central location in the heart of Paris. The bus ride can take anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes and is an affordable way to travel to Les Invalides. Board bus numbers 69, 82, 87, and 92 to reach the closest bus stop to the attraction - Vauban Hôtel des Invalides.

By Train: Nearest Stop: Invalides

Although taking the train is an option, it is not as convenient as the metro. That said, look for Line C which will take you to the nearest train station, Invalides, which is a ten-minute walk from Les Invalides.

By Metro: Nearest Stop: Varenne

Les Invalides is within walking distance from the Invalides and Varenne metro stations. Board the metro on the green line to Paris Montparnasse Hall 1-2 where you need to change to the blue line. The metro is one of the fastest ways to get to Les Invalides, especially during peak hours.

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By Road

By Car: Nearest Parking: Parking Indigo Paris Invalides (1 km away from Les Invalides)

After turning right onto Av. de la Bourdonnais, continue driving for another 800 m before you have to turn left onto Av. de Tourville. You will find Les Invalides to your left after continuing for around 200 m.

By Bicycle:

There are two bicycling routes from the Eiffel Tower to Les Invalides. You can either go via Quai Jacques Chirac and Quai d'Orsay or Av. de la Bourdonnais and Av. de la Motte-Picquet. It will take you around 7-9 minutes to reach Les Invalides on a bicycle via both routes.

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Know Before You Go

Facilities

Rules

Shop

Eat

Nearby

Stay

Accessibility

Accessibility: Les Invalides can be accessed via wheelchair due to the wheelchair-friendly entrance and restrooms. You can also avail of wheelchairs on loan.
Wi-Fi: Visitors can connect to the free Wi-Fi available at Les Invalides. Additionally, Wi-Fi is also available inside Musée de l’Armée.
Restroom: There are plenty of restrooms in different areas of Les Invalides.
ATM: There are two ATMs close to Les Invalides. While one ATM is outside the main entrance, the second ATM is next to the restaurant Le Carré des Invalides
Lifts: All areas of Musée de l’Armée can be accessed via wheelchair-friendly lifts.
Cloakroom: There is a cloakroom near the ticket window toward Place Vauban.

Smoking is not allowed inside Les Invalides.
Avoid speaking loudly to ensure you are not disturbing other guests.
The last admission is at 5:30 PM and visitors will not be permitted to enter after 5:30 PM.
Photography is permitted as long as it is for personal use only. You will require prior permission to use professional equipment for commercial purposes.
Sharp objects and weapons are not allowed inside Les Invalides.

Book and Gift Shop

The Book and Gift Shop offers over 2,000 types of products including souvenirs, postcards, and books related to the rich and diverse history of the military in France.

Restaurant bar: "Le carré des Invalides": Choose from a range of salads, sandwiches, and desserts at this cozy restaurant inside Les Invalides.

Angelina Tearoom: Stop by Angelina Tearoom, the iconic Parisian brand which serves hot chocolate, pastries, and a bunch of cold drinks

Musée Rodin: Explore Musée Rodin, a museum dedicated to the works and talent of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin.

Esplanade des Invalides: An open space in front of Les Invalides, Esplanade des Invalides is one of the best spots in Paris for a picnic while enjoying the breathtaking views of prominent attractions including Les Invalides.

Eiffel Tower: A symbol of Paris that needs no introduction. It provides a panoramic view of the city.

Louvre Museum: The Louvre Museum is one of the most prominent and largest museums in the world. You will find a wide collection of artwork from different periods, artists, and cultures including the Mona Lisa.

Sainte-Chapelle: Sainte-Chapelle is a 13th-century Gothic chapel and a popular tourist attraction in Paris because of its stained glass windows and concerts.

Budget:

HotelF1 Paris Porte de Châtillon (5.5 km)
Enjoy Hostel (2.9 km)
Hôtel Restaurant Campanile Paris Montparnasse (2.6 km)

Mid-range:

Hotel Apollon Montparnasse (2.7 km)
Ibis Paris Maine Montparnasse 14ème (2.9 km)
Hôtel 15 Montparnasse (1.5 km)

Luxury:

Entry is free for disabled visitors and one person accompanying them.
Although entry is free, disabled visitors will require an admission ticket which can be collected from the south entrance of the museum.
Unfortunately, the Tomb of Napoleon is not wheelchair-friendly as there are a number of stairs.
Disabled visitors have a reserved entry at 6 Boulevard des Invalides in addition to reserved parking spaces.
We recommend referring to a map once you enter Les Invalides. The map will help you navigate the complex and visit the different museums, attractions, and restrooms.
Although wheelchairs are available, it is a good idea to inform the staff in advance to enjoy a seamless entry.
There are wheelchair-friendly lifts inside Les Invalides which provide access to different areas of the complex.

Visitor Tips

Book your tickets online in advance to avoid getting caught in long lines outside.
There is a cloakroom within the premises to store your luggage, small bags, backpacks, and other belongings.
Disabled visitors can enjoy hassle-free entry from the South Entrance which is on the opposite side of the main entrance.
Get a couple of photos to celebrate your visit to the courtyard. You’ll be able to capture the majority of the complex in a single frame.
Take a break from museum-hopping to relax in the gardens and enjoy the weather, fountains, and ponds.
Pets are not allowed inside Les Invalides.
You will need a minimum of 2 hours to make the most of your experience. So, plan your visit accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to hop into temporary exhibitions or engage in an interactive exhibit.
If you’re hungry, feel free to grab a bite at the two eateries on site. Angelina’s Tea Room is especially renowned for its hot chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Les Invalides

Q. What are Les Invalides's opening hours?

A. Les Invalides is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Q. What is the best time to visit Les Invalides?

A. The best time to visit Les Invalides is early in the morning as soon as the museum opens.

Q. Can I enter anytime during operating hours?

A. Yes, you can enter anytime during operating hours. That said, keep in mind that the last admission is at 5:30 PM.

Q. How much time does it take to visit the Les Invalides?

A. It takes around 2 hours to visit the Les Invalides and get a feel of all the attractions and museums inside the complex.

Q. Who can enter the Les Invalides for free?

A. Disabled people, children below 18 years of age, EEC nationals below 26 years of age, ex-military personnel, and Paris Museum pass holders can enter Les Invalides for free.

Q. Are group visits allowed to Les Invalides?

A. Yes, group visitors are allowed to Les Invalides.

Q. Where is Les Invalides located in Paris?

A. Les Invalides is located in the heart of Paris in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

Q. What is the best way to get to the Les Invalides?

A. The best way to get to Les Invalides is by bus, metro, bicycle, or by car.

Q. How many entrances are there at the Les Invalides?

A. There are two entrances at Les Invalides including, the Esplanade des Invalides side and Place Vauban.

Q. Does Les Invalides conduct activities for children?

A. Yes, Les Invalides conducts several activities for children throughout the year to help them learn and know more about the country’s military.

Q. Is photography permitted inside the Les Invalides?

A. Yes, photography is permitted inside Les Invalides. For commercial purposes, prior permission is required.