Les Invalides on 14 July

Entry is free for everyone, and the quarter is en fête. On 14 July the Army Museum opens its permanent collections, Napoleon's tomb and its temporary exhibitions free of charge. Alongside that, the esplanade hosts public-facing displays by the armed forces, open to visitors through the day. It is the liveliest day of the year here — and the busiest.

EntryFree for everyone

Permanent collectionsOpen

Napoleon's tombOpen

Temporary exhibitionsIncluded

EsplanadeArmed forces displays

CrowdsThe heaviest of the year

What happens in the quarter

The parade comes down the Champs-Élysées in the morning; the fireworks are at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in the evening. In between, the Esplanade des Invalides serves as an exhibition ground for the armed forces: equipment, demonstrations, conversations with serving personnel, generally from late morning to early evening. It is free, it is outdoors, and it occupies children very well.

The downside is mechanical: traffic in the quarter is upended from the night before, metro stations may be closed, and the museums fill up because they are free. If your priority is a quiet crypt, this is not the day. The quiet windows are on this page.

Local tip

Come early on the 14th, before the crowd returns from the parade, or give up on the museum that day and enjoy the esplanade alone. Trying to do both in the middle of the day does not work.

Book your entry

The ticket below opens the Dôme, the tomb and the four museums, for the whole day.

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Frequently asked questions

Is entry free on 14 July?

Yes, for everyone, including the permanent collections and Napoleon's tomb.

What happens on the esplanade?

The armed forces hold public-facing displays open to visitors through the day.