The National Residence of the Invalids (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is The National Residence of the Invalids?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can freely roam vast galleries, use free audio guides, and linger at Napoleon’s tomb; flexible timing and clear signage make the experience rich and uncomplicated.
Positives:
- Easy audio navigation: Free digital guide via Wi-Fi gives structured route and background
- Quiet reflection spots: Small chapels and side corridors offer peaceful breaks
Challenges:
- Stair climb: No elevator to the Dome; wear comfortable shoes
- French labels: Some exhibit texts lack English, so rely on the audio guide
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 solo trip?
- Ascend the gilded Dome and view Christ murals
- Pause at Napoleon’s tomb under the gold vault
- Follow free digital audio guide through 500,000 artifacts
- Circle the Baroque Cour d’Honneur for architectural details
- Join the first-Friday Nocturne for a quieter evening visit
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to see the Dome, Napoleon’s tomb and key museum halls without rushing
Solo-Friendly Activities in The National Residence of the Invalids
Climb to the Golden Dome:
Ascend the staircase to view the gilded dome and murals of Christ.
Tip: Go early to avoid the midday crowd on the stairs
Visit Napoleon’s Tomb:
Stand at his sarcophagus under the Dome’s golden vault.
Tip: Pause here for a moment of reflection away from gallery noise
Explore Musée de l’Armée:
Wander through 500,000 military artifacts from medieval armor to modern uniforms.
Tip: Follow the free digital audio tour by connecting to the museum Wi-Fi
Stroll the Cour d’Honneur:
Circulate the central courtyard lined with Baroque façades.
Tip: Look for sculpted suns and military emblems carved into the walls
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The National Residence of the Invalids
- Use Paris Museum Pass: Skip ticket lines and enter directly with your valid pass
- Download guide ahead: Save offline pages of the museum app before you arrive
- Start with the Dome: Beat later crowds by climbing up first
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)?
Every first Friday (18:00–22:00), book the Nocturne ticket (€10) to see the Dome and exhibits in lower crowds. In spring, enjoy the adjacent gardens when flowers bloom.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry ticket | EUR 17 |
| Coffee at Le Carré des Invalides | EUR 5 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 22 |
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, solo trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip
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!