The National Residence of the Invalids (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is The National Residence of the Invalids?
What makes it 58% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free and strollers fit most areas, yet Dome stairs, only one changing table and no dedicated nursing room make comfort manageable but not ideal.
Positives:
- Free Admission for Baby: Children under 18 enter free so no extra ticket needed.
- Stroller-Friendly Zones: Elevators and ramps cover most galleries for smooth stroller use.
Challenges:
- Dome Inaccessible by Stroller: No elevator to the dome level; you must carry baby up stairs.
- Limited Changing Facilities: Only one baby-changing table in the East wing restroom; plan breaks accordingly.
What is The National Residence of the Invalids?
- A French Baroque veterans’ complex built by order of Louis XIV in the 1670s to house and rehabilitate soldiers wounded or aged in service
- A national military monument encompassing the Musée de l’Armée, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs and Napoleon’s tomb beneath its gilded dome
- An architectural exemplar of French classicism marked by formal quadrangular courtyards, symmetrical facades and a soaring 107-meter golden dome
What is so special about The National Residence of the Invalids for with baby?
- Ground-floor galleries and courtyard are fully stroller-accessible
- Baby enters free and elevators cover most areas
- Golden Dome admired from below without stairs
- Le Carré des Invalides café offers baby menu and seating
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to explore the ground-floor galleries, admire the dome from below, and take breaks for baby and snacks.
Baby-Friendly Activities in The National Residence of the Invalids
Stroll the Cour d’Honneur:
Walk through the central courtyard under Baroque arches.
Tip: Use the covered arcades for shade and keep baby in stroller on flat paths.
Explore Musée de l’Armée galleries:
Browse ground-floor military collections from medieval arms to modern uniforms.
Tip: Stay on the main level where elevators and ramps make stroller access easy.
View the Golden Dome from below:
Admire the gilded dome’s exterior and murals seen from church entrance.
Tip: Skip the stairs; enjoy dome details from the rotunda floor near Napoleon’s tomb.
Break at Le Carré des Invalides café:
Enjoy a French snack and baby menu items.
Tip: Order the “Petit Soldat” set (€8.50) and use nearby seating for easy access with stroller.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The National Residence of the Invalids
- Start in the East Wing: Use the nearby changing table early to avoid searching mid-visit.
- Time Your Café Break: Visit Le Carré des Invalides around 11 AM to find seating before lunch rush.
- Carry Light Gear: Bring a collapsible stroller to navigate tighter gallery spaces easily.
Reviews of The National Residence of the Invalids
W T
I went for a visit and as a British person, there was a moment of me almost crying as a grown adult when in front of me; a French school class of children were told about the Battle of Britain and about the sacrifices of British fighter pilots against the invading nazi regime. The hotel des Invalides doesn’t just talk about the French struggle for freedom but recognises their allies and the part w...
Trouvaille B
We bought tickets onsite without issue. This place is large so we spent about 1.5 hours here. Some of the artifacts on display are amazing! I am not a huge history buff but this museum definitely kept my attention.
Dávid Förgeteg
An amazing building complex! The spacious green place in front of it is wonderful, the grass js just Wow! You can lay on it and it is very comfy. The building itself is huge. You can go in some parts of it for free. At the end, under the dome you can see the tomb of Napoleon. It needs an admission ticket but the view is great even from the entrance.
Strsljen47
Les Invalides in Paris is a stunning historic complex, famous for its golden dome, Napoleon’s tomb, and the French Army Museum. Beautiful architecture, rich history, and well curated exhibits make it a must visit for history lovers, though it can get crowded during peak hours.
Thiago Rezende
A fantastic complex of churches and museums focusing on military history. Although famous for Napoleon's tomb, a visit to the museums is a must. The collection of weapons and military uniforms is impressive, and the history of the two world wars is told in an immersive way and with great detail.
When is the best time to visit The National Residence of the Invalids (Paris, France)?
In summer, visit early to enjoy cooler morning light in the courtyard. In winter, warm up at the café mid-visit.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult museum ticket (per adult) | EUR 17 |
| Petit Soldat baby menu | EUR 8.5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 42.5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of The National Residence of the Invalids
Address: 75007 Paris, France
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides The National Residence of the Invalids (Paris)?
About The National Residence of the Invalids
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!