Invalides Dome Tour: Exclusive Guided Experience of Louis XIV & Napoleon History

Explore the tumultuous and glorious military past of France during this 2 hour private guided tour of the Musée de l’Armée. Located within the golden-domed architecture known as Hotel des Invalides, this museum unveils tales and mysteries for anyone drawn to historical events such as the Napoleon era and the World Wars.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cathedrale Saint-Louis des Invalides - 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 had 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 gold days of military conquest. Ultimately pushing too far, Napoleon died in exile, though his remains are interred underneath the magnificent gold dome. Come face to face with his tomb, 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.
What's Included
  • Exclusive tour guide for personalized experience
  • Wheelchair accessible for an inclusive tour
  • 2-hour immersive tour experience
  • All entrance fees included
  • Skip-the-line access for a streamlined museum visit
What's Not Included
  • Tour Price Does NOT Include Hotel Pickup or Drop-Off (We Recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour Does NOT Include Gratuities (OPTIONAL)
  • Temporary exhibitions NOT included
Additional Information
  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Notes: Invalides dome and museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with ‘Skip the Line’ or ‘No Wait’ access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
  • IMPORTANT RE: WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY Wheelchair friendly tour is only available as a PRIVATE TOUR (if you chose the “SEMI-PRIVATE TOUR” option, you will not be able to have a tour or a refund)
Location
Hôtel des Invalides
Meet your guide outside the main gate of Invalides. The main gate is located on the north entrance at Place des Invalides facing the famous Alexandre III bridge. It’s is the main entrance to enter the Invalides.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(43 Ratings)
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Road16701
Aug 27, 2024
Invalides Napolean Tour - So much to see on this tour and our guide, Anatole, did a great job showing us the highlights. Was also really good to have time afterwards to explore more on our own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamest472
Jul 13, 2024
Amazing World War I and World War II history tour - We had a fantastic tour of the Army museum and the tomb of Napoleon. We focused on World war I and World war II history and all the amazing artifacts inside the museum. We highly recommend this tour and our tour guide of Florent was fantastic!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
577lorainem
Jun 22, 2024
Excellent Les Invalides tour - My husband, son and I voted this our most favorite tour between this, the Louvre and Versailles - reason being because we had basically a private family tour. Daniel had a wealth of information he bestowed on us, but he covered just the right amount. We appreciated his light sense of humor too! Cannot say enough complimentary things about our guide, and we truly had an amazing experience at Les Invalides. More people really need to do this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T5875urmarkd
Jun 18, 2024
Anatole was fantastic - Anatole was exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate. Could not ask for a better guide. I would recommend him to anyone visiting Invalides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Greg_m
Jun 12, 2024
Excellent 0k - Very knowledgeable brought tablet for pictures of history very helpful. Great collection medieval weapons
Review provided by Viator
B4895ubiang
Jun 10, 2024
Epic!! - Florent was one of the best guides I have ever had. He was patient and extremely knowledgeable about everything and filled the gaps with other miscellaneous facts.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alejandra_b
Jun 5, 2024
Maravilloso! - Wonderful in just one word. Everthing is a unique experience. They gave us an unforgettable experience. We loved it.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_r
May 4, 2024
Ŵonderful review of 18th and 19th century French history! - The weaponry of Louis IV and the fascinating life and afterlife of Napoleon. 2 brilliant egotists.y Terrific overviwe by Florent. His passion and knowledge of these topics is impressive, educational and entertaining.
Review provided by Viator
Camelle_g
Apr 6, 2024
Florent was outstanding - Our tour with Florent was outstanding. It was the highlight of our trip. Florent has vast knowledge and love of history that really shines through during our tour!
Review provided by Viator
Lillian_e
Aug 27, 2024
Great experience - Tour well done, tour guide too long on explanation but appreciate his knowledge. 2heures sufficient pour le tour
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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