Skip the line Invalides Dome Louis XIV and Napoleon Tour 8ppl Max
Description
Discover France’s turbulent and illustrious military history on this 2 hour semi-private (8 Guest Maximum) guided museum tour of the Musée de l’Armée. Housed inside the gold-domed building known as the Hotel des Invalides, this museum will reveal secrets and stories for both history buffs and anyone interested in topics like Napoleon and the World Wars.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your guide will lead you through the epic courtyard of the Invalides, discussing its 17th century roots as a veteran’s hospital under King Louis XIV. You’ll visit the cathedral that Louis had built for his former troops, who found respite here after returning from battle. After discussing the Sun King’s contributions to France’s military history, you’ll learn all about the nation’s most elite leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. A brilliant general and audacious emperor, he is synonymous with France’s gold days of military conquest. Ultimately pushing too far, Napoleon died in exile, though his remains are interred underneath the magnificent gold dome. Come face to face with his tomb, as well as the tombs of those closest to him, while basking in the ornate homage to this leader. Spend some time in the museum to learn all about this man, beyond his famous stature, through artifacts, recreations, and military maps that walk you through his many wins and defeats.
Your guide will lead you through the epic courtyard of the Invalides, discussing its 17th century roots as a veteran’s hospital under King Louis XIV. You’ll visit the cathedral that Louis had built for his former troops, who found respite here after returning from battle. After discussing the Sun King’s contributions to France’s military history, you’ll learn all about the nation’s most elite leader, Napoleon Bonaparte. A brilliant general and audacious emperor, he is synonymous with France’s gold days of military conquest. Ultimately pushing too far, Napoleon died in exile, though his remains are interred underneath the magnificent gold dome. Come face to face with his tomb, as well as the tombs of those closest to him, while basking in the ornate homage to this leader. Spend some time in the museum to learn all about this man, beyond his famous stature, through artifacts, recreations, and military maps that walk you through his many wins and defeats.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
- A maximum of 8 people per tour allowed
- Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
- Notes: Invalides dome and museum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Reviews(45)
Napoleon and Louis XIV were important figures in history for me to understand so I spent considerable time to find the right tour company that would be able give me insight and perspective. Francesca with Babylon Tours exceeded all expectations. Francesca was knowledgeable and brought to life two monumental figures in history. I would highly recommend both Francesca and the excellent team at Babylon Tours
She was very informative and knowledgeable about all the areas that we went to. We enjoyed the tour very much.
We had such a great tour with Florent! He is a super nice guy with a wealth of historical knowledge. Thanks for an educational morning!
Cecile was amazing! A true historian. Not only did we have the perfect group, but we had the perfect tour guide as well. She took her time with us throughout the grounds and taught us so many things! Including fun facts not usually found in text books. My only gripe with this tour is that it is simply not advertised enough! Please market this more—and perhaps extend it to the other museums as well!
Sergio was BRILLIANT! He was exceptionally knowledgeable on everything Napoleon/Paris and France. Passionate about his subject and the ability to paint a vivid picture of times gone by was fabulous. Generous with his time and well worth the visit with him. Bravo! Two thumbs up Sergio:) Lynne and David, Australia
Florent is an incredibly knowledgeable guide. His welcoming personality is matched by his passion for French history. Highlight of the trip.
Absolutely fantastic, very informative tour. The museum is very big, I advise you to stay in the museum by yourself to explore
Sergio was fantastic! Very professional yet personable, incredible amount of detailed information. He conveyed the "story" behind so many facts. Guides, teachers like him take a person out of the history books back to the time in discussion. Sergio gave us a 5 star France history lesson. Thank you!
The museum was fascinating. You could spend days there. Anatole, our guide was extremely knowledgeable, entertaining and engaging! Best yet!!
We had Daniel as our tour guide of the Les Invalides. The knowledge he shared with us was absolutely amazing. Our 3 kids of 9,11 and 14 had full attention on him and his tour has never been boring for them.
