Les Invalides (Musée de l'Armée)
Logistics Guide

Is the Tomb of Napoleon at Les Invalides fully accessible?

Yes, Napoleon's Tomb is located in the Dome Church and is 100% accessible to wheelchairs. While the main entrance has steps, there is a dedicated PMR entrance located on the left side of the Dome (facing the building from Place Vauban). This entrance features a permanent ramp and a modern Otis lift that takes you to the main level of the church. From there, you can view the sarcophagus from the balcony level. The internal flooring is smooth marble and limestone, providing a 0Hz vibration experience. Wide elevators also provide access to the Musée de l'Armée galleries from the main courtyard level.

Where are the best accessible restrooms at Les Invalides?

Modern, high-quality accessible restrooms are located near the main ticket office in the North Wing and near the entrance to the Dome Church. These facilities were renovated recently and feature automated wide-clearance doors, raised toilets with Thyssenkrupp support bars, and 1.9-meter turning circles. The flooring is non-slip stone, ensuring maximum safety. Due to the vast size of the complex, it is recommended to use the facilities near the North Wing immediately after entering, as the next available high-quality PMR unit is a significant distance away on the other side of the Cour d'Honneur.

What is the most efficient taxi drop-off for Les Invalides?

The most efficient drop-off depends on your destination within the complex. For the Dome Church and Napoleon's Tomb, instruct your driver to drop you at Place Vauban (48.855050, 2.312650). This point is directly in front of the accessible ramp. For the main Army Museum entrance, use the Esplanade des Invalides drop-off at 129 Rue de Grenelle (48.859450, 2.312550). Both locations offer flush curbs and wide asphalt surfaces. Avoid being dropped mid-way on the Boulevard des Invalides, as the sidewalk transitions can be uneven and require navigating high-friction stone joints.

What is the sensory profile of the Les Invalides complex?

Les Invalides is an environment of monumental scale. Acoustically, the Cour d'Honneur is very quiet, but the Dome Church features a massive 6-second reverb which can be overwhelming for those with auditory processing issues. The physical experience is characterized by the 45Hz vibration of the historic cobblestones in the courtyards; however, the museum has installed smooth-stone 'runner paths' that allow for a much more comfortable 15Hz ride. The air is cool and still inside the stone buildings, and the scent is a mix of old stone, floor wax, and the dry, filtered air of the modern museum galleries.

When is the best time for an easy mobility visit to the museum?

Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00 are the most mobility-friendly times. During these hours, the Cour d'Honneur is less crowded, allowing you to stay on the smooth-stone peripheral paths without having to maneuver around large tour groups. This is critical for manual wheelchair users who want to avoid the high-vibration cobblestones. The staff-monitored Otis lifts are also immediately available, ensuring a fast transition to the upper museum levels. The lighting at this time is natural and soft, which reduces glare on the polished stone floors within the galleries.

How do I ask for the accessible entrance to the Dome in French?

Approach the security staff at the Place Vauban gates and say: “Bonjour, je suis en fauteuil roulant. Où se trouve l'entrée accessible pour voir le Tombeau de Napoléon, s'il vous plaît ?” They will direct you to the ramp on the left side of the building. If you are in the main courtyard and need the lift to the museum, say: “Où est l'ascenseur pour accéder aux collections du musée de l'Armée ?” The staff are well-trained and will often provide an escort through the complex, as the route between the north and south sections can be long and require navigating several level thresholds.