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

5.0

32 Ratings

Paris

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

(32 Ratings)

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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

Sherryramsey54

Mar 11, 2024

Great experience! - Loved hearing the stories about the history of napoleon and his exploits! Laurent was awesome! He was easy to understand and answered all our questions!

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Amir_a

Jan 12, 2024

History Nerds Welcome - Great tour from a highly knowledgeable man with a deep passion for the history he was sharing with us. We had a great time and learned alot.

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Aabbady00

Jan 9, 2024

Great tour for French history - Sean was an amazing tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable about the rich history of the Hotel de Invalides and its importance to French history.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Nomadic_nil

Dec 29, 2023

Don’t Miss Invalides! - We had an incredible time with Michele as our guide. Although Invalides may not be the top pick for first-time visitors to Paris, I can't express how amazing the experience was and how much I learned about Napoleon and the fascinating history of that era. Michele's enthusiasm and extensive knowledge truly made the tour unforgettable. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique experience.

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Marcov_g

Dec 24, 2023

Great Tour with Sean - Great tour guided by Sean Singerin. We learned a lot. Invalides is a place full of history and art; very much worth visiting. Ask for Sean, especially if you’re booking a tour in English

Review provided by Viator

Arturo_m

Dec 22, 2023

Napoleon day - The guide michelle was outstanding very proffesional and very gentle well informed he knows the invalides very well

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David_g

Nov 24, 2023

Great tour. - Our tour guide, Michele, was very knowledgeable and gave us a great experience. My partner and I have never had such a great experience having every question answered and information provided on the exhibits. Overall, one of our best experiences of the trip.

Review provided by Viator

Candace_p

Oct 19, 2023

Better than excellent! - Anatole was our guide, and we couldn’t have anyone better. He was very enlightening and entertaining as well. Loved, loved, loved the tour!!

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Leo_a