Discover France’s turbulent and illustrious military history on this tour of the Musée de l’Armée. Housed inside the gold-domed building known as the Hotel des Invalides, this museum will reveal secrets and stories of Napoleon and Louis XIV.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Private or small groups available
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 1.5 - 2 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Russian
Experience
Highlights
- Learn about Napoleon and his role in French history
- See Napoleon's tomb
- Hear about the origins of the Invalides building
Full description
Your guide will lead you through the epic courtyard of the Invalides, discussing its 17th century roots as a veteran’s hospital under King Louis XIV. You’ll visit the cathedral that Louis built for his former troops, who found respite here after returning from battle.
After discussing the Sun King’s contributions to France’s military history, you’ll learn all about the nation’s most elite leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. A brilliant general and audacious emperor, he is synonymous with France’s golden days of military conquest. Ultimately pushing too far, Napoleon died in exile, though his remains are interred underneath the magnificent gold dome. See his tomb up close, as well as the tombs of those closest to him, while basking in the ornate homage to this leader.
Spend some time in the museum to learn all about this man, beyond his famous stature, through artifacts, recreations and military maps that walk you through his many wins and defeats.
Includes
- Entrance fees and skip-the-line access to the museums
- Professional art historian guide
- Private and small group tour options
- Walking tour
- Wheelchair tours available only on request
- Gratuities (optional)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Temporary exhibits
COVID-19 precautions
Customers must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meeting point varies depending on option booked.
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
Not allowed
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- This tour has a maximum of 8 guests per guide for a more intimate and personalized experience
- The semi-private tour has a minimum requirement of 2 participants to run (an alternative date or full refund will be offered if the minimum is not met)
- No large bags or suitcases are allowed
- Moderate amount of walking is involved. The semi-private tour is not available for those with walking disabilities or wheelchair users
- Occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, guests will be provided with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1 hour from the tour starting time. In these cases GetYourGuide is unable to provide refunds or discounts
- Some specific rooms inside the museum are subject to rules requiring quiet or restricted right to speak inside. Some collections may vary along the year
- Please provide full names, mobile phone number and email you can be reached on during your trip
