Les Invalides

Les Invalides is a grand 17th-century complex built by Louis XIV for wounded soldiers, now home to France’s premier military museums and Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb beneath the gilded Dôme. Highlights include the Army Museum’s armor and weaponry, exhibits on both World Wars, and the church’s striking Baroque architecture. Its courtyards and chapels offer a reflective look at French military history. Centrally located near the Seine and Eiffel Tower, it’s ideal for history enthusiasts and architecture fans. Allow 1.5–2 hours; buy combined tickets for the museums and Dôme to make the most of your visit.