Quick Overview

Official Site: Hôtel National des Invalides – Dôme des Invalides & Musée de l’Armée
Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France, within the Les Invalides complex.
Main Visitor Areas: Dôme des Invalides (Napoleon’s Tomb) and the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée) inside the same historic site.
Closest Metro Stations: Invalides (Lines 8 & 13 + RER C), La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8), and Varenne (Line 13).
Nearby Buses: Lines 69, 82, 87, 92 stop near Les Invalides and the Esplanade.

Where to Go When You Arrive

Napoleon’s Tomb is inside the Dôme des Invalides, the golden-domed church at the heart of the complex. Follow signs for Dôme des Invalides / Tombeau de Napoléon or Musée de l’Armée, pass through security, and then continue toward the dome area for the crypt and sarcophagus.

From the Eiffel Tower & Seine Area

From the Eiffel Tower or Champ de Mars, it’s a pleasant walk of about 15–20 minutes across the Seine via the Pont de l’Alma or Pont Alexandre III, then along the Esplanade des Invalides toward the golden dome.

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Option 1 — From Central Paris (Louvre, Île de la Cité, Opéra)

Best if you’re staying near the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Opéra, or the Grands Boulevards.

  • By Metro from Louvre / Opéra: Take Line 1 or Line 7 to Concorde, then change to Line 8 in the direction of Balard. Get off at Invalides or La Tour-Maubourg. From either station it’s a short walk to Les Invalides and the Dôme.
  • From Île de la Cité / Notre-Dame: Walk or use Metro Line 4 or 7 toward the right bank, connect to Line 8 (e.g., at République or Strasbourg–Saint-Denis), then ride to Invalides.
  • From Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Walk to Assemblée Nationale or use a quick bus ride across the Seine, then head on foot along the Esplanade des Invalides directly to the golden dome.

Tickets & Payment

Paris public transport uses the Navigo card and single-ride tickets (t+). You can also tap a contactless bank card at many gates. Keep your ticket or card handy in case of inspections.

Option 2 — Metro, RER & Buses (Most Common)

Using the Metro

The easiest way is via Metro Line 8 or 13. Aim for stations Invalides, La Tour-Maubourg, or Varenne:

  • Invalides (Lines 8 & 13 + RER C): Good all-round choice, with clear signs to Les Invalides.
  • La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8): Short, scenic walk past cafés and Haussmann buildings.
  • Varenne (Line 13): Convenient if you’re coming from Montparnasse or the 17th arrondissement.

Using the RER C (Seine & Eiffel Tower Line)

The RER C follows the Seine, stopping at major riverfront sights. Get off at Invalides, then walk a few minutes across the Esplanade to the dome. This works well if you’re coming from the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, or Saint-Michel.

Paris Buses to Les Invalides

Several bus routes stop near Esplanade des Invalides or Rue de Grenelle:

  • Bus 69: Runs from the Louvre / Le Marais toward the Eiffel Tower via Invalides.
  • Bus 82 & 87: Link the Left Bank, Saint-Germain, and Champ de Mars with Les Invalides.
  • Bus 92: Connects western districts and the Arc de Triomphe area to the 7th arrondissement.

Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Buses

Most hop-on hop-off bus tours include stops near the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, or Les Invalides itself. Check your map for the closest “Invalides” or “Eiffel Tower / Champ de Mars” stop, then walk to the dome from there.

Wayfinding Tip

Look for the golden dome — it’s visible from many nearby streets and from the banks of the Seine. Once you see the dome, simply head toward it; Napoleon’s Tomb is directly beneath.

Option 3 — Scenic Walks via the Seine & Eiffel Tower

Walking to Les Invalides is one of the best ways to enjoy central Paris. You’ll pass river views, grand bridges, and classic Haussmann façades on the way to Napoleon’s resting place.

  • From the Eiffel Tower / Champ de Mars: Walk east across the park toward the Seine, cross via Pont d’Iéna or Pont de l’Alma, then continue along the river or the Esplanade des Invalides until you reach the golden dome. Allow around 15–20 minutes.
  • From Musée d’Orsay: Follow the Seine downstream toward Pont de la Concorde and Pont Alexandre III, then turn inland at the Esplanade des Invalides. Expect a walk of about 15 minutes.
  • From the Champs-Élysées: Walk down Avenue des Champs-Élysées to Place de la Concorde, cross the Seine via Pont Alexandre III, then head straight across the wide lawn of the Esplanade toward the dome.

Photo Tip

Some of the best photos of Les Invalides are taken from the far end of the Esplanade des Invalides, with the long lawn in front and the golden dome perfectly centered in the background.

From Paris Airports

From Charles de Gaulle (CDG)

The simplest route is usually RER B → Metro:

  • Take RER B from CDG to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Gare du Nord.
  • Change to the Metro (for example Line 4, 1 or 14) to reach a Line 8 or 13 connection.
  • Continue to Invalides, La Tour-Maubourg or Varenne and walk to Les Invalides.

From Orly (ORY)

Use the Orlyval shuttle + RER B to central Paris, then transfer to Metro lines connecting to Invalides. Some airport buses and coaches also stop near the Eiffel Tower area, from which it’s a short taxi or metro ride to Les Invalides.

From Beauvais (BVA)

Beauvais is farther out. Take the airport shuttle bus to Porte Maillot, then use the Metro (Line 1 plus Line 8 or 13) to reach Invalides or La Tour-Maubourg.

Taxis & Rideshares

Official taxis and rideshares can drop you near Esplanade des Invalides or 129 Rue de Grenelle. Ask for “Les Invalides, Dôme des Invalides” or “Napoleon’s Tomb”.

Luggage

Large suitcases are not ideal inside the monument and museum. If you’re coming straight from the airport, consider leaving bags at your hotel or at a luggage-storage service before visiting Napoleon’s Tomb.

Driving, Parking & Bikes

Driving in Central Paris

Traffic around the 7th arrondissement can be slow and parking is limited. If you’re driving into Paris, consider parking in a paid underground car park and walking or using the Metro to Les Invalides.

Parking Near Les Invalides

Look for public car parks along Rue de Grenelle, Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, or near the Seine. Street parking is heavily regulated; carefully check signs for time limits and fees.

Vélib’ & Bicycles

There are several Vélib’ bike-share stations around Les Invalides. Cycling along the Seine or through nearby boulevards is a scenic way to arrive, but always park at official docking stations and walk your bike inside pedestrian-heavy areas.

Accessibility

Les Invalides offers step-free access and lifts for many areas, though some sections have cobblestones and historic stairs. If you have mobility needs, check the latest accessibility details on the official site before visiting.

Practical Visit Tips

Arrive a Little Early

Aim to arrive at the entrance 15–20 minutes before your chosen time slot. This gives you time for security checks, ticket scanning, and a quick look at maps before heading into the Dôme and museum.

What to Wear

There is no formal dress code, but the site is both a national monument and a tomb, so respectful, smart-casual clothing is ideal. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on stone floors, courtyards, and occasional cobblestones.

Security & Bags

Expect airport-style security at the entrance. Large backpacks, bulky bags, and sharp objects are not allowed. Bring only what you need and keep valuables close to you.

Combining the Tomb with Other Sights

Napoleon’s Tomb is in the same complex as the Army Museum, and it’s easy to continue from Les Invalides to the Eiffel Tower, Seine river cruises, Musée d’Orsay, or a Paris city tour afterward.

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Getting There Cheatsheet — Napoleon Tomb, Les Invalides

Exact Location

Napoleon’s Tomb is under the Dôme des Invalides at Hôtel National des Invalides, 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris.

Closest Metro & RER

Invalides (Lines 8 & 13 + RER C), La Tour-Maubourg (Line 8), and Varenne (Line 13).

Key Bus Lines

69, 82, 87, 92 — handy routes from the Louvre, Marais, Saint-Germain, Eiffel Tower and western districts.

Typical Walk Times

Eiffel Tower → Les Invalides: ~15–20 min • Musée d’Orsay → Les Invalides: ~15 min • Champs-Élysées (Concorde) → Les Invalides: ~15 min.

Crowd Strategy

Mornings and early afternoons on weekdays are usually quieter. Weekends, holidays, and peak season afternoons see more tour groups and school visits.

Nearby Essentials

Cafés and bakeries line Rue de Grenelle and Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg; there are public restrooms and seating areas inside the complex and on the Esplanade.

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Ready to Visit Napoleon’s Tomb in Paris?

Take the metro, RER or a scenic walk along the Seine to Les Invalides, then descend under the golden dome to pay your respects at Napoleon Bonaparte’s monumental tomb and explore centuries of French military history.

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