How to Use the Paris Museum Pass at Les Invalides and Napoleon’s Tomb
The Paris Museum Pass includes Les Invalides — the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée) and Napoleon’s Tomb — in one entry. You’ll explore one of the world’s great military museums and stand beneath the golden dome at the emperor’s grand tomb, all covered by your pass. It’s an easy, high-value stop near the Rodin Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Here’s how to use it.
What the pass covers
Your pass includes the whole Les Invalides complex: the Musée de l’Armée with its vast collections of arms, armour and military history, and the Dôme des Invalides, where Napoleon Bonaparte is interred in a magnificent tomb beneath the gilded dome. One included entry covers it all — a saving of around €15 on the individual ticket.
Napoleon’s Tomb
The highlight for many is the Dôme church, where Napoleon’s body lies in a grand red-quartzite sarcophagus at the centre of a circular crypt, encircled by reliefs of his achievements. The soaring golden dome above is one of Paris’s most striking interiors, and standing over the emperor’s tomb is a genuinely memorable moment.
The Army Museum
The Musée de l’Armée is one of the largest military history museums in the world, spanning medieval armour to the World Wars. Highlights include the magnificent arms-and-armour galleries and the extensive Second World War sections. There’s far more than you can see in one visit, so pick the periods that interest you most.
How long to allow
Allow around two hours to take in Napoleon’s Tomb and a selection of the Army Museum’s galleries, or longer if military history is your passion. Couples or groups with mixed interests often split up — one lingering over the war exhibits while another nips to the nearby Rodin garden — and regroup at the tomb.
Where it is and what’s nearby
Les Invalides sits in the 7th arrondissement, a short walk from the Musée Rodin (included) and within easy reach of the Eiffel Tower. That makes a natural pass-day pairing: combine Les Invalides and Rodin, both covered, and add the Eiffel Tower separately for a full day in this elegant quarter.
When to go
The complex is open daily, though specific galleries can have their own closing days, so check before you go. Mornings are quieter, and the Dôme is especially atmospheric with the light through the cupola. Allow time to appreciate the grand esplanade and façade as you arrive.
Do you need a reservation?
Les Invalides is generally straightforward and doesn’t usually require an advance timed slot for pass holders, though it’s wise to check current rules when planning. Your pass covers entry; have it ready and follow any on-site signage for pass holders.
Tips for your visit
- Allow about two hours for the tomb and key galleries.
- Pair it with the Rodin Museum next door (also included).
- Add the Eiffel Tower separately for a full day.
- Pick your periods in the Army Museum to avoid fatigue.
- Have your pass ready at the entrance.
What to prioritise in the Army Museum
- Napoleon’s Tomb under the golden Dôme — the unmissable highlight.
- The arms and armour galleries — among the world’s finest.
- The two World Wars sections — extensive and absorbing.
- The Charles de Gaulle Memorial if you have time.
- The grand esplanade and façade as you arrive.
Buy your Paris Museum Pass for Les Invalides
To see Napoleon’s Tomb and the Army Museum in one included visit, buy your Paris Museum Pass online in advance. Secure your pass and pair Les Invalides with the Rodin Museum for a rich, easy day on the Left Bank.
Frequently asked questions
Is Napoleon’s Tomb included in the pass?
Yes — Les Invalides, including the Army Museum and Napoleon’s Tomb, is covered.
What does the pass cover here?
The Musée de l’Armée and the Dôme des Invalides with Napoleon’s Tomb, in one entry.
How long should I spend?
About two hours for the tomb and selected galleries.
Do I need a reservation?
Not usually — but check current requirements when planning.
What’s nearby?
The Musée Rodin (included) and the Eiffel Tower (separate).
How much does it save?
Around €15 on the individual ticket.