Life and Legacy of Napoleon: Walking Tour with Les Invalides & Tomb Entry

About this experience

Life and Legacy of Napoleon: Walking Tour with Les Invalides & Tomb Entry This guided walking tour takes you through Napoleon Bonaparte's Paris, following the footsteps of France's most influential emperor from Place Vendôme to his final resting place at Les Invalides. You'll explore the monuments and streets that witnessed his rise to power whilst gaining skip-the-line access to the Army Museum and Napoleon's Tomb. Your expert guide reveals how Napoleon transformed Paris into an imperial capital, from the grand columns of Place Vendôme to the triumphal arches that celebrate his victories. The tour concludes at Les Invalides, where you can independently explore the extensive military collections after paying your respects at Napoleon's marble tomb. What is Included Expert English-speaking guide Guided walking tour through Napoleon's Paris Skip-the-line entry to Army Museum at Les Invalides Skip-the-line entry to Napoleon's Tomb Commentary on historical sites and Napoleonic legacy Independent time to explore Army Museum after guided portion Key Stops and Highlights Your tour begins at Place Vendôme, where the towering column commemorates Napoleon's victories. You'll walk along Rue de Rivoli, commissioned by Napoleon himself, and pass the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel before continuing to the Tuileries Garden, where Napoleon once strolled as emperor. At the Louvre's exterior, learn how Napoleon opened this royal palace to the public as a museum. Cross Pont Royal and stand at Place de la Concorde, reflecting on pivotal moments in Revolutionary and Napoleonic history. For those interested in exploring more of Paris's royal heritage, consider the Versailles Palace and Gardens day trip to see where French royalty lived before Napoleon's rise. Les Invalides and Napoleon's Tomb The tour culminates at the magnificent Hôtel des Invalides, where your skip-the-line access allows immediate entry to this baroque military complex. Your guide provides detailed commentary on the Army Museum's cannons, uniforms and battle relics before leading you to Napoleon's tomb beneath the golden dome. After the guided portion ends, you're free to explore the Army Museum's extensive exhibits independently until closing time. The collection spans centuries of French military history, offering deeper insight into the conflicts that shaped modern France. If you're fascinated by French military history, the Paris Military Museum at Les Invalides provides additional context for your visit. Good to Know The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with the guided portion ending at Les Invalides. You'll meet at Place Vendôme and should arrive 15 minutes early with your booking confirmation and photo ID. The experience involves considerable walking on cobblestone streets and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Large bags, food and drinks are not permitted inside Les Invalides and the Army Museum. The tour is conducted entirely in English and is best suited for older children due to the historical focus and walking distances involved. For a more comprehensive exploration of Napoleon's influence beyond Paris, consider the Fontainebleau Palace Napoleon tour to see where the emperor signed his abdication in 1814.

Highlights

• Follow Napoleon's footsteps from Place Vendôme to Les Invalides
• Skip the queue into the Army Museum and Napoleon's Tomb
• Trace how Napoleon reshaped Paris's streets, squares and monuments
• Expert guide covers the emperor's rise to power and lasting legacy
• Conclude at Napoleon's final resting place beneath the golden dome

What is included

• Expert guide throughout the walking tour
• Skip-the-line access to the Army Museum
• Entry to Napoleon's Tomb at Les Invalides
• Walking tour from Place Vendôme to Les Invalides

Before you go

Wear comfortable shoes for extended walking through city streets and historic grounds Bring government-issued photo ID for entry verification Plan for outdoor weather with water and appropriate clothing Large bags, food and drinks are prohibited inside the Army Museum and Tomb areas Access requires moderate mobility and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience. Within 24 hours of the start, the booking cannot be cancelled.