Les Invalides: Napoleon & French Military History Semi-Private Tour

4.7
(30 reviews)

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2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Enjoy a 2.5-hour semi-private guided visit to perhaps the most spectacular building on the Paris skyline, the incredible gold-domed Invalides. Covered with 26lbs of real gold, the Invalides is home to the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte and the fascinating museum of the army, tracing the history of the French armies and their allies from the jousts of kings, through invasion and resistance to the Normandy landings of WWII.

What's Included

Visit the final resting place of Napoleon Bonaparte and learn about his extraordinary life.
All tickets and entrance fees are included.
Enjoy a more personal experience with small groups of no more than 8 guests.
Experience a 2.5 hour guided tour of Les Invalides led by an accredited guide
Explore the museum’s extensive collection detailing his military campaigns and strategic genius
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide in front of the Café de l'Esplanade, 52 rue Fabert, 75007 Paris. The nearest metro is La Tour Maubourg (line 8).

End point
Hôtel des Invalides

Your tour will end at the Invalides Museum

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Musee de l’Armee des Invalides

    Commissioned by King Louis XIV and designed in the 17th century by Jules Hardouin Mansart (the same architect who designed the incredible Hall of Mirrors in Versailles) the Invalides was originally built as a hospital and home for wounded and retired soldiers returning from the king’s wars. The king knew that he owed his glories to his troops, so he ordered a most magnificent building for them. The Invalides is also home to the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte and the fascinating museum of the army, tracing the history of the French armies and their allies from the jousts of kings, through invasion and resistance to the Normandy landings of WWII. Nowadays you will still find veterans living there, and the gold-domed Cathedral of St. Louis is the seat of the Bishop of the Armies. Your expert guide will take you on a historical journey. Hear of the exploits of General Bonaparte and learn how he became Emperor Napoleon, and hear how two British pilots were hidden in this very structure during La Resistance under German occupation in the 1940s. 

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    The St. Louis Cathedral

    Then visit the breathtaking tomb of the most famous general in European history. After crowning himself Emperor in 1804, Napoleon went on to conquer huge swathes of Europe, until his final defeat at Waterloo. Exiled until his death in 1821, his body was returned to France and placed here in the enormous sarcophagus built specially for him. His son is also buried next to him, his body brought to Paris by Hitler in 1940. Join your guide on this compelling visit to the Invalides, and journey through war, defeat, resistance, and glory.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time
  • Infants aged 0-3 years are free of charge and do not require a booking
  • You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours prior to departure and receive a full refund. Please note that refunds are not possible for missed tours.
Supplied by Memories France

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Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.7 Based on 30 30 reviews
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