Tickets

The discovery of Les Invalides is a wonderful, unexpected adventure – and it becomes even more convenient and exciting with a couple of special kinds of tickets. The former is the regular admission to Musee de l’Armee – Les Invalides and costs around EUR17 and above. Through this ticket you enter into a world where the military history of France is brought to life in every room, in every object and every architectural detail. It is a little on the side to see some unique collections of weapons, armour, uniforms and paintings, and it also involves a visit to the well-known tomb of Napoleon.

On the exterior, the Hotel National des Invalides is a stunning object, which was constructed during the 17 th century as a place to keep the wounded soldiers. The architectural appearance of the building is gorgeous and the golden dome leaves an impression on the skyline. Walking in is a mixture of the historical memory with the art beauty. The galleries, located within, have something unique in every turn: the weapons and armour of the Middle Ages up to the military technology of the 20 th century. Napoleon Bonaparte is buried beneath the central dome which forms the highlight of many visitors.

Outside the tomb, there are also temporary exhibitions and special collections at the museum, where all of the information is accessible and all ages can find the visit interesting, supported by panels of information and multimedia resources. This ticket offers the opportunity to see the unbelievable masterpieces and that iconic golden dome, immerse into the history of France in a complete 360-degree cultural journey, at a very reasonable price.

The other excellent alternative is the AURA Invalides ticket and it costs about EUR28 and above. It is a highly immersive experience that combines history and art and technology in a very original sensorial experience, as all the rooms of the Hotel National des Invalides turn into virtual stages. In this case, the history of France is recreated using lights, sound and the spectacular projection.

AURA is not an ordinary visit to a museum: digital projections and special effects are used to recreate battles, ceremonies, and important moments in the history of France, and it seems terribly real. It is an experience that is aimed at all people and there are multilingual information boards that explain the story behind each projection and how what you are witnessing relates to actual historical situations. It creates an ideal balance between performance and education.

It is a perfect option when you are willing to have a fresh innovative cultural experience that is both emotional, knowledge, and curious. It is less of a history play than it is a history play because the big events are given a one-on-one, first-person narrative which appeals to the eyes, to the brain, and to the heart.

A visit to Les Invalides is like a trip to the history of France and to the ideals of a nation where memory, sacrifice and glory are of paramount importance. Out of doors there is the magic hour of tranquility and fresh air in the gardens of Les Invalides. Their well-maintained flowerbeds and perfect scenery enclosed with the dome are the best location to spend few minutes and observe people walking around, investigating or taking pictures.

Les Invalides is not a monument itself, it is a trip of French art and history. Each component of the complex possesses its unique character, and the experience in general is full of emotions and thoughts. It is a place where one can have a sort ofreal conversation with the past, the people who made the history of France, and the people who gave their lives to it.

A tour of Les Invalides, Paris, is an absolute plunge into a setting where the history of France is not only preserved there but it breathes life through the walls, through the courtyards and the grave solemn quietness of the halls. It is on the Left Bank of the Seine, not very far away above Pont Alexandre III. This great architectural complex at once attracts your attention by its enormous size, and it narrates centuries of magnificent past, military conflicts, lives of soldiers and patriotic memory.

Its center of interest is Hotel des Invalides which was designed by Louis XIV as a home of the injured soldiers and war veterans. It is the place to which Parisians keep their hearts, as well as to which the visitors of other parts of the globe are very close. It unites the past and the present, power and weakness, greatness and humanity. As you go, the dome appears to take a little longer to pull out of the view, as though to say goodbye to you once more in reminding you of the otherwise remarkable experience that you have just had.