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

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.