The best time to visit Les Invalides

At opening, or in the last two hours. The only space where the crowd really changes the experience is the Dôme: the circular rail above the crypt is narrow, and between eleven and three you look at the tomb over other people's shoulders. The rest of the museum absorbs crowds very well.

Best windowOpening time

Second bestThe last two hours

Avoid11am - 3pm

Busy daysWeekends, public holidays

Quiet seasonNovember to February

Densest day14 July

The rhythms of the day

School groups arrive early in the morning from March to June, but they head overwhelmingly for the armour and the two World Wars: the Dôme stays quiet. Coach tours, by contrast, arrive around eleven and aim squarely at the tomb. That is the one genuinely bad window.

Late in the day the light falling from the cupola turns low and warm, and there is almost nobody left. It is my favourite window, provided you accept you will not also get round the museum. Since the ticket is valid all day, you can also do the museum in the afternoon and keep the Dôme for last.

The seasons

November to February, outside the school holidays, is the quietest period; the building is heated and the great courtyard under a winter sky is superb. July and August are dense. 14 July is a case of its own: free, lively and packed — see this page.

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

When are there fewest people?

At opening and in the last two hours. The middle of the day is densest at the Dôme.

Which is the quietest season?

November to February, outside the school holidays.