French military history tour of l'Hotel des Invalides
Why you’ll love this…
- Visit the complex of l'Hotel des Invalides and discover all there is to know about its history
- See the main courtyard and enter the artillery collection
- Explore the Cathedral of Saint-Louis and Dôme des Invalides
What to expect
Join a guided visit of l'Hotel des Invalides and the surrounding complex and listen to its history and to a number of fascinating stories, not only about the French but also about the many nations that have come to fight on French soil.
As you might guess from its name, the Invalides was constructed in the 17th century to provide a retirement home and care center for the thousands of soldiers wounded while fighting for their country under the Old Regime. Commissioned by the Sun King Louis XIV, the Invalides was the world’s first veteran’s home on such a large scale. In addition to the museum, tombs, and military ceremonies that keep the site relevant today, its original vocation is still respected and a number of disabled soldiers are currently lodged in this 300-year-old barracks.
Your expert guide will take you on a historical journey: you’ll dive deep into military history, as you admire the decorated armor and cannon from medieval and Renaissance periods. You'll hear of the exploits of General Bonaparte and you'll learn how he became Emperor Napoleon.
When the tour of the museum is over, you’ll end your experience with a visit to the church, where you'll discover the tomb of the most famous military leader in European history.
Important to know
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour departure time. No refund for missed tours due to late arrivals
What’s included
Guided tour of Les Invalides
Professional local guide
Skip-the-line access and all entrance fees
Small groups of eight people or less
Headsets where appropriate so you can always hear your guide
What’s not included
Personal expenses
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Location
Provider
Memories France
Need a hand?
Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET
Phone number: +1 208-744-6464
You might also like
Nat Geo Day Tour: Baguette and Éclair Initiation with a French Master Baker
Discover the history, passion and savoir faire of Didier, French master baker based in Paris. Immerse yourself in his world: The baker grinds his own flour in his windmill. You'll be able to discover the backstage of a real bakery during a 2.5 hour initiation.
en
Nat Geo Day Tour: Paris, the City of Book Lovers
Explore Paris's literary history with guided visits to the Bibliotheque Nationale, time to meet one of the Seine's historic ‘Bouquinistes' - booksellers - and a trip to the Shakespeare and Co bookstore.
en
Musée d’Orsay private tour with local expert guide
Join your fun and local expert tour guide on this private tour as you visit the famous Musée d'Orsay, and discover the collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.
en, fr, es, de, it
Book a city tour of Paris in an open-top coach, the ideal activity for first-time visitors in Paris. Several departures a day leave from our agency located near the Louvre.
en, it, fr, es, de, +5 pt, ru, ja, zh, ko
Paris city tour, Seine cruise and Eiffel Tower skip-the-line tickets
See iconic Paris with Eiffel Tower priority tickets, luxury air-conditioned coach transport, a Seine cruise and a multilingual guide. A perfect introduction!
en, it, fr, es, de, +5 pt, ru, ja, zh, ko
Best of Paris city tour with Eiffel Tower lunch and Seine cruise
Relax and enjoy a panoramic lunch at the Eiffel Tower followed by a leisurely Seine river cruise with audio guide. Booking now!
en, it, fr, es, de, +5 pt, ru, ja, zh, ko
Louvre Museum guided tour with skip-the-line tickets
Get all the best information for your guided visit of the Louvre Museum in Paris and book your tickets, skipping the line, at official rates. Get informed, plan and book your tour in Paris.
en, fr, es
Visit of the Louvre Museum and cruise ticket
Get your ticket to the Louvre Museum and a 1-hour cruise on the Seine river.
en, it, fr, es, de, +5 pt, ru, ja, zh, ko
Paris legends and mysteries 2-hour guided walking tour
Book this 2-hour guided tour around Ile de la Cité to discover the dark side of French History, rarely explored by tourists.
en
Paris City tour and Moulin Rouge show
Discover the charm of the French capital with a bus tour and admire the fun and sensual show at the Moulin Rouge.
en, it, fr, es, de, +6 pt, ru, nl, ja, zh, ko
