Historic Les Invalides Dome Tour with Babylon Tours Paris
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for individuals with moderate mobility; comfortable walking and standing required.
Overview
Step inside the Hôtel des Invalides for a focused two-hour tour uncovering the legacies of Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte. Babylon Tours Paris offers a semi-private journey to Napoleon’s tomb beneath the iconic golden dome.
Les Invalides Dome (w/ Tomb of Napoleon) Guided Tour – Semi-Private (ENGLISH)
2 hrs | SKIP-THE-LINE | Perfect for History and War Buffs
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 2-hour semi-private tour of the Musée de l’Armée at the Hôtel des Invalides, where history comes alive. With a maximum of 8 guests, explore the legacies of Louis XIV and Napoleon Bonaparte, culminating in a visit to Napoleon’s stunning tomb beneath the iconic golden dome.
Book way in advance - we sell out
Rates
- Adult: - €115
- Youth: - €105 (Ages 10 - 17)
- Child: - €85 (9 and under)
Duration
2 hours
Meeting Point
Meet your guide outside the main gate of Invalides
About
- From the Sun King, Louis XIV himself, to France’s most notorious general, Napoleon Bonaparte, this 2 hour semi-private tour will cover some of the nation’s most powerful leaders.
- Up to 8 guests will join an expert guide who will introduce you all to the Musée de l’Armée, housed inside the gold-domed building known as the Hotel des Invalides.
- Both history experts and amateurs will be entranced by the vast collection of artifacts and show of opulence at this museum.
- This tour is in English.
Includes
- Skip-The-Line Semi-Private Museum Tour
- ""Semi-Private"" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum
- Professional Tour Guide
- Tour Includes All Entrance Fees
- Duration 2 Hours
Excludes
- Tour price does NOT include Hotel Pickup or Drop-Off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
- Tour does NOT include gratuities (OPTIONAL)
- This tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair
Full Tour Description
From the Sun King, Louis XIV himself, to France’s most notorious general, Napoleon Bonaparte, this 2 hour semi-private tour will cover some of the nation’s most powerful leaders. Up to 8 guests will join an expert guide who will introduce you all to the Musée de l’Armée, housed inside the gold-domed building known as the Hotel des Invalides. Both history experts and amateurs will be entranced by the vast collection of artifacts and show of opulence at this museum.
Begin by exploring the courtyard of the Invalides where your guide will reveal its 17th century roots as a veteran’s hospital under King Louis XIV, the Sun King. Walk through the cathedral dedicated to Louis’ troops who retired here in relative comfort. Louis XIV, however, was not the only leader to contribute to France’s military history. While most discuss his height, your guide will discuss the achievements of Napoleon Bonaparte as France’s most brilliant military general. While a bit too ambitious, this French emperor eventually stretched himself too thin, and once defeated, Napoleon died in exile. Today, thanks to the kings of the 19th century, his remains are housed underneath the magnificent gold dome at Invalides. Visit his tomb, as well as the tombs of those closest to him, while dropping your jaw at the ornate homage to this leader. Afterwards, stroll the museum to learn even more about this man through artifacts, recreations, and military maps that detail his ups and downs as a military genius.
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Meet at least 10 minutes before departure outside the main gate to ensure a smooth start.
Dress for Walking
Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; the tour involves walking through large museum spaces.
Limit Your Bags
Only small handbags or slim backpacks are allowed inside; large bags are restricted by security.
Bring Photo ID
A valid photo ID or passport copy is required for entry with the guide.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons are common around the Invalides courtyard.
- Occasional urban sparrows flit near the gardens.
History
The Hôtel des Invalides was commissioned by Louis XIV in 1670 as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans, later becoming the final resting place for Napoleon Bonaparte in 1840.
Conservation
The site maintains ongoing preservation efforts to protect France’s military heritage while managing visitor impact through controlled group sizes and access.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Paris
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating museum floors and walking between points of interest.
Light jacket or layers
Useful to adjust for changing indoor and outdoor temperatures.
spring|fall|winter specific
Small backpack or handbag
Permitted inside the museum for essentials; larger bags are not allowed.
Photo ID or passport copy
Required for entry and verification with the tour guide.